Peer to Peer Magazine

46 PEER TO PEER: THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ILTA | SUMMER 2017 FEATURES Characteristics of Capable Leaders When to Watch Out Some people with many of these characteristics and aributes are still challenged in leadership roles since they also have what might be referred to as "disabling aributes": » Indecisiveness: There is a time to gather information and a time to decide. The inability to make and hold to a decision is detrimental to both the organization and the team, causing delays, confusion and possibly missed opportunities. » Need for Control: While we all have some need to feel in control, this becomes a disabling aribute when people feel they must control the process (the information shared, the time others have to express opinions or ask questions, the decision itself, how it is presented to others and even how it is implemented). » Condescending and Patronizing Communication Styles: An individual may be great at gathering information, synthesizing and sharing, and yet present a "beer than you" aitude. This style is certain to cause stress in a leadership team. What is interesting to note is that while those who are self-aware may have some of these disabling aributes, they will control and overcome their natural tendencies to operate within these behaviors. "But I Don't Want To!" We have seen all the books claiming that everyone has the capacity to lead. That may be true, but not everyone wants to be in a leadership role, and that is okay. Individuals with all the requisite personal characteristics may find the idea of being in a leadership role unappealing. It comes with a certain amount of risk. The person may fear for relationships because of decisions made or may be averse to the risk of decisions that could fail. Some people are comfortable with risk and others are not. Leadership teams must think and work at a strategic level, not an operational one. There are folks who find this exceptionally challenging and understand that leadership at this level is outside their comfort zone. It may not be the right time for some people. Whatever the reason, a leadership role isn't for everyone. Learn, Practice, Engage The aributes, behaviors and skills described here contribute to great performance, whether as a leader or as a member of a team. We all want to hire individuals with these aributes, to work or volunteer with them, and we all want to bring these aributes to the table ourselves. Some people are blessed to do all of these things unconsciously while for others the behaviors must be learned. We know good leaders when we see them. An awareness of and aention to building the key characteristics of unassuming self-confidence, self- awareness, comfort with ambiguity and flexibility, combined with communication skills, listening skills, the ability to synthesize information, reliability and a passion for the work means you can enhance your leadership capabilities. P2P Leaders have a passion for their organization, industry and profession that translates into commitment.

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