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Qualities of Determined Leaders |
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Leadership and The Art of Determination
Have you ever come across a leader who is so focused on their goals that come rain, sleet or snow, they remain undeterred or unfazed by the unpredictable experiences of life? They possess an unbridled will that is fueled by purpose.
This type of determination is creative. It is an attractive force fueled by an e-motive energy that lies beneath the focus that has the ability to mobilize ideas into reality. It is can be quite challenging for some of us to remain determined, particularly in seemingly adverse conditions.
Lisa Haneburg, in her book, Focus Like a Laser Beam asserts, “To realize quantum leaps in results, a leader needs to focus like a laser beam.” She later goes on to say, “Leaders who focus like a laser beam have figured out how to create success using energy, cohesion and intentionality.”
Some leaders succumb to the temptation to give in because it is an easier option. When giving in, they find eloquent excuses or rationalizations to support giving in. They usually sound quite plausible. On the other hand, yielding is a much more powerful tool. Although it does not appear to be the case, yielding empowers the leader and their team. Giving in disempowers.
Obstacles to Determination
Fear of failure is one reason why leaders lose focus. In Western society, the word failure is an abomination because it distorts reality and creates a negative response to something that is usually quite positive. More specifically, we assign a label of failure to a reversible mistake, or an opportunity to learn and grow. If leaders have heard the message that there is no room for error often enough, they frantically try to avoid perceived failure because their careers are at stake.
Competing priorities can cause a decrease in the level of determination. Business environments are becoming increasingly complex with unpredictable situations arising that can impede our ability to focus. In environments where there are competing priorities, leaders can resort to the practice of multitasking and with multitasking, less is done because your focus is divided.
The Qualities of Determined Leaders
What are the special qualities that underpin determination? Some of leaders have trouble sustaining their focus or determination. So, what is the differentiating factor that distinguishes someone with a mission from someone on a mission?
There could be several answers to this question. Firstly, underlying it all, is the element of curiosity. Once you allow it into your life, curiosity is unquenchable, it has a life of its own. It does not interpret obstacles as insurmountable. It positions it as a fact. This allows leaders to perceive obstacles as something decipherable and solvable with no apparent labels.
Courage also fuels determination. One of my mentors once said to me that courage and fear feel exactly alike. The only difference is that with courage, you can mobilize yourself into action in spite of your fears. This aptly describes one aspect of the type of determination that characterizes people who demonstrate the focus and the ability to execute on their focus.
Purpose is yet another indicator. Leaders who are focused exist in a balanced state of knowing and not knowing. Although they may not know all the specifics, they already have enough pieces of the puzzle to keep them going.
Vulnerability is one of the characteristics of leaders who are masters of the art of determination. Leaders who are willing to be vulnerable are willing to let go of control and yield in the face of the unknown with the same fierce determination. As leaders, we often get into the habit of doing, doing and more doing because we have not mastered the art of balancing the doing and allowing. Allowing empowers others while letting the seeds of the doing grow and take shape.
The art of determination works hand in hand with emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is necessary to successfully identify and navigate emotions in the face of a perceived difficulty. It also allows leaders to remain authentically optimistic when facing the unknown. It also provides leaders with the skills to perceive if they are pushing their team too hard and the ability to listen and change gears.
Creativity in business happens when employees are engaged and engaged employees facilitate an improved bottom line. Leaders who are masters of the art of determination have the potential to create an enjoyable experience while stretching their team.
Yvette Bethel
President
Organizational Soul
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