How You Can Become An Extraordinary Leader

Photo by Alex Dos Santos on Pexels.com

‘How will you behave when your ethics are tested?
How will you respond to suggestions that you help the organization by looking the other way while laws are violated?’

Stephen H. Baum & Dave Conti

‘Ordinary beginnings are not an impediment to becoming a great leader.’

Self-knowledge is critical as you move ahead in your career, and you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses in your own character.’

As you move from stage to stage, you test your ability to lead, you assess your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the outcome.’

The test comes the first time there are real personal stakes on the table and a choice has to be made that would have a serious monetary, career, and reputation consequences.’

The development starts early, but character is completed only by experience- your sense of ethics, your integrity, fairness, and compassion, all become sound and reliable only when they are tested in the world.’

Character means doing the right thing when no one is there to see as well as when your actions are visible or will likely be revealed to the world at large.’

‘Leaders are able to transcend their own fears and self-doubt when facing challenges.’

Stephen H. Baum & Dave Conti

Being ready to lead means being able to confront issues and make decisions without regard to your own insecurities and self-limiting beliefs, your personal job security, or your reputation.’

Leaders learn to act quickly and wisely and lead in the face of life’s many surprises. As a leader, you not only exhibit the emotional readiness to act when others avoid or recoil from the risk and stress that action would entails, but you also exhibit the critical thinking to do so wisely.’

The question is, ‘How did they develop these traits in the first place?’

Source:

Stephen H. Baum & Dave Conti (2007). What Made Jack Welch Jack Welch: How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders

Recruitthebest Daily Digest- Asking For What You Want

Hiring managers expect you to negotiate. Done respectfully, it can both increase your earnings and enhance your relationship.’

Even if presented with a good offer, sleep on it. Chances are there is something extra- a sign-on bonus, additional vacation time, flextime- that will benefit you.’

There are many perks that put money into your pocket at the end of the month in addition to base salary. Understand which are meaningful to you.’

‘As a Switcher, you may need to take a hit on compensation; however, don’t let that one factor override all the positive gains that come with the career change. Money is the only one piece of the larger career-switch puzzle.’

Choosing between two solid offers can be difficult. Consider multiple factors such as your direct boss, longer-term opportunities, and company culture when deciding.’

Failure is a learning opportunity that is par for the career-switch course! Get up, dust off, and keep on moving forward.’

Branding and networking are ongoing activities for professionals. Career management isn’t an occassional event. Find ways to micro-network and make brand deposits to strengthen your reputation in the market.’

Take time to slow down and evaluate how your actions are influencing your career goals. There may be things you can start or stop doing that will have a major impact on your success.’

Don’t forget how you got where you are. Keep your eyes open for chances to help others attain career success. None of us are successful without the support of others.’

Focus on the value you bring to the job rather than the experience you don’t have (yet!).’

Clarity comes through action!’

Source:

Dawn Graham (2018). Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success