When you see a poorly written test question you can easily identify that it’s bad; when you see a leader with poor leadership skills you can easily identify that. How can it be so difficult to write a test question? Why is it so hard to be a good leader? If I ask you to be a great leader—because you can obviously identify a poor one—it’s easier said than done. Can we see weak leadership traits in ourselves? If I asked you to write a perfect multiple choice test you could do it, right? Because you said earlier you can identify a poorly written test question—therefore, you’ll never write one.
Leadership is made up from many parts- some we can control, some we can’t. Words like vision, ethics, motivator, expert and more go into the character list. I will suggest that timing is a key factor in the success or failure of a leader. Today, in this economy, it is difficult to be a successful leader. Resources are scarce and leaders are having to say no more frequently than ever before. No to staff increases. No to new equipment and apparatus. No to new programs or expansion of services. No to outside training, conferences and workshops. No to increases in wages and benefits. It’s not fun being a leader in these conditions but a good leader will still lead. Anyone who has been through tough times before knows that good times/tough times are cyclical and things will improve.
How can you be a leader in tough times? Lead.
