Elevate Your Leadership

There's so much information out in the world about leadership. In my own leadership growth journey, how do I know what information to trust?

Today, there's an abundance of information on the topic of leadership. A quick search on Google brought up Harvard Business Review, McKinsey & Company and Simon Sinek as the top sources, with at least  ten more pages of search results available.

I love learning about leadership and avail myself of these and other high-quality resources. And I especially enjoy reading biographies, listening to podcasts and watching documentaries about leaders.

But for the basics, I most trust Napoleon Hill's guidance about leadership in Think and Grow Rich (1).  Why?  Napoleon Hill studied 500 of the world's most effective leaders. And he identified the common themes of leadership. This is foundational information I share with my clients.

First, Napoleon Hill says that there are two types of people: followers and leaders. “Decide at the outset whether you intend to become a leader in your chosen calling or remain a follower.” And to be an effective leader, one must first be an effective follower.

One of the key differences of being a follower versus a leader is compensation. And leaders have higher influence and higher impact. 

Here are the eleven qualities of highly effective leaders according to Napoleon Hill (1). I like to think of these attributes as leadership basics:

1. Unwavering Courage. 

Followers do not want to be dominated by a leader who lacks self confidence or courage.

2. Self-Control.

Leaders need to lead themselves first. Self-discipline and the ability to control one’s own emotions are essential.

3. A Keen Sense Of Justice.

Without a sense of fairness or justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his or her followers.

4. Definiteness of Decision. 

People who are indecisive, show that they are not sure of themselves.

5. Definiteness of Plans. 

Working by guesswork as a leader is not the way to earn the respect of one's followers.

6. The Habit of Doing More Than You Are Paid For.

 Leaders always go the extra mile and are willing to do what it takes.

7. A Pleasing Personality 

Leadership calls for respect. Successful leaders must be likable and worthy of respect.

8. Sympathy and understanding.

Leaders must have empathy for their followers.

9. Mastery of Detail.

Leaders must be aware of all the details of their position. They must have people on their team in whom they trust with details.

10. Willingness To Assume Full Responsibility.

To be a highly effective leader, one must be willing to take 100% responsibilty, including for the mistakes of others.

11. Cooperation. 

Successful leaders must understand and apply the principle of collaboration and inspire followers to do the same inorder to execute on their vision.

Reflect on the eleven attributes. Where do you need to improve on your leadership journey?

I'd love to hear from you! Please email me with your thoughts at [email protected]

(1) Hill, Napoleon. (2003, 2005). Think and Grow Rich. Jeremy P. Tarcher Penguin, p. 119-121.

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