We’ve all seen them. Some of us have written them. I’m talking about lists…not grocery lists or to-do lists. I’m talking about the tenets of leadership lists.
I love reading other people’s tenets of leadership lists. I like what those lists allow me to learn about the people who wrote them. The lists give a real insight into the kind of leader these people are.
I’m constantly working on my tenets of leadership list – I hope you are too. I’ll share a few of my tenets here. However, I encourage you to read two other recent blog postings I’ve read to see what others think are important leadership tenets. The first is 16 Ways to be the Leader of Choice. Interesting title for that blog. I must admit I really like a few of these tenets (some of which closely align with some of mine).
For example:
- Choose meaningful goals. I suppose this is obvious. However, if a leader’s goals aren’t meaningful, who will follow them?
- Respect others. Absolutely critical in leadership. The caveat is you can’t ask for or “demand” respect. You have to earn it.
- Sacrifice for the benefit of others. I love this one. Putting others first is one of my tenets.
- Have enough ego to aspire to leadership but not so much that you forget leadership is about service. I laughed when I read this. Not because I don’t agree with it – I do. But I just thought of all the “leaders” I have known who were egomaniacs and thought leadership was about being served, not serving others.
The other leadership blog I read recently was about former North Carolina basketball coach, Dean Smith, who passed away this week. I have always liked North Carolina basketball. Perhaps it was because of Michael Jordan and that unbelievable shot he made as a freshman in the National Championship game. Or perhaps it was because Dean Smith attended the University of Kansas, my alma mater, where he learned basketball from the best ever – Phog Allen. Read the blog posting here. I think you’ll agree Dean Smith was a great coach, mentor, and leader.
So, what are some of my leadership tenets? Here are a few:
- Always do what’s right.
- Put others before yourself.
- When possible, lead by example. When not, don’t lead.
- Be a caring servant of others every day.
- Commit yourself to your goals.
They are still a work in progress. I hope you find some you can use.
Rick Church is Head Coach of CM Services, Inc. The Association Partnership Company. CM Services pioneered the concept of developing long-term partnerships with national and international trade associations and professional medical associations. Mr. Church has published articles and given presentations about association leaders (both volunteer and paid). Mr. Church served as president of the Association Management Company Institute (AMCi). While on AMCi's Board of Directors, Mr. Church was very involved in the development of the AMCi/ANSI standard for Association Management Companies and the AMCi certification program based on that standard.
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