[June 26, 2014] We have discussed many leader traits here, most of them essential for the successful leader. Yet, rarely discussed in theLeaderMaker.com or in leadership literature is the fact that leaders must be tested in order to be at their best. This testing must be on-going, not necessarily every moment, but testing is frequent.
Leaders are resilient. They actively seek out issues of conflict and visibility … and it seeks them, often unexpectedly. Conflict keeps leaders focused, keeps them thinking, and looking for ways to improve. Leaders seek visibility in their decisions so that others can critique their efforts, allowing for a fine tuning of those leader actions.
These everyday tests of leaders are many; large and small, important and insignificant, yet always building the skills and resilience of the leader. Most leaders attain higher levels of leadership because of the tests in which they have been able to succeed. Some of our greatest leaders have risen to the highest levels because they have been tested on important, highly visible issues. George Washington immediately comes to mind.
Leaders who are not test or tested regularly, are weak and often indecisive. We’ve seen these type of leaders and probably worked for one of them in the past. I know, I worked for several. They were often excellent technically but do not function that well when expected to lead.
We often say that the best leaders are those with the relevant experiences. Those that have been tested and proven worthy are those who have our confidence, trust, and credibility. Without leaders being tested, whether by choice or accident, they will not succeed and we will not follow.
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