While I’m not entirely certain there is such a thing as a “Perfect” leader. I do sometimes try to think of what one may look like. If I had the chance to draw up the perfect leader from A-Z in which I would want to follow. With so many words to choose from, some of the letters were hard to choose, while others like the letter “X” were hard to find even a single word. Nevertheless, after boiling it down, the leader I would follow would definitely have these 26 things.
Available – Always (within reason) there when they are needed.
Benevolent – Intent is always a key. Good intent especially.
Charismatic – During challenging times and great times this person inspires you to do your best.
Dreamer – Any leader that I work for has to be a dreamer…Some call it vision, but it all starts with a dream!
Empathetic – No matter what someone tells you, they want to feel understood. Any leader I would want to work for would know this, and operate this way.
Failure – What? Yes, I believe any leader worth following has had some failures along the way. Now they are much more appreciative for their success.
Grateful – To be great, you must be grateful. No one does it alone, ever!
Humble– Being humble ranks among the most important of these. Arrogance is the shaky foundation for a leadership house of cards.
Inspirational – I want a leader who aspires to inspire day in and day out.
Just –As in guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness.
Kind – Nice guys do not finish last. People that allow themselves to be taken advantage of do. Not the same thing.
Level headed – I call it ice water in the veins. If people see you get rattled they will pounce.
Mystique – While I love transparency, I see mystique to leader like Swagger to a superstar. A little goes a long way.
Nimble – Being able to change direction of the ship quickly is key. There is a fine line between nimble and fickle. The former drives success, the later drives you out of business.
Open Minded – Nobody knows everything. Openness to others thoughts, ideas, and input is so important in a leader.
Positive – Debbie downer leads no one. I want a positive leader that balances positive with reality. But always focuses on the good and learns from the bad.
Quality – a focus on quality over abundance is always a better path.
Reliable – to be counted on to live their word.
Supportive – This comes through feedback both positive and negative. But knowing the leader supports you gives the confidence needed to persevere.
Transparent – The ability to be open about plans and intent without creating fear and uncertainty is an art form mastered by the best leaders.
Unbiased – Does not come with predisposition. Always learning and listening to form opinions based on the best information available.
Valor – When the sky appears darkest, this person can be calm and courageous to continue to push forward.
Well Rounded – Okay, it is 2 words, but I would always prefer to follow a person who has many dimensions to their life.
Xanadu (seeks) – In the journey of life this person seeks the “ideal” destination.
Yearning – Having everything leaves nothing to shoot for. A little unfinished business makes for a great leader.
Zealous –Everyone wants a leader that is devoted to the greater cause
If you could draw up the perfect leader A-Z what would you choose? What would you change above?
