Effective Leaders are Future Focused

In general, leaders who are effective now and in the future have learned how to be:

future-focused. They create a vision, articulate it to their group, and stick with it. They understand how their unit or organization fits into the larger picture, and they organize short-term tasks according to long-term priorities.

comfortable with ambiguity. They are willing to take calculated risks, can handle a certain level of disruption and conflict, and are willing to change their minds when new information comes to light.

persistent. They can maintain a positive, focused determination in pursuing a goal or vision, despite the obstacles.

excellent communicators. They know how to write clearly, listen closely, run meetings, make presentations, negotiate, and speak in public.

politically astute. They have acquired a solid sense of their organization's power structure, listen carefully to the concerns of its most powerful groups, and know where to turn for the support and resources they need.

level-headed. They know how to stay calm in the midst of turmoil and confusion.

self-aware. They know themselves enough to realize how their own patterns of behavior affect others.

caring. They have a demonstrated ability to empathize with other people's needs, concerns, and professional goals.

humorous. When the situation warrants it, they know how to inject a little mirth to relieve tension within a group.

ACTION POINT: Be the change you want to bring about--model the behaviors you're trying to encourage.