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I first wrote about leadership over ten years ago and in updating this article for ZimNotes I was struck less by what has changed about a leader's qualities (not much) and more by who I would use as an example today. For instance, I had Ralph Nader listed under "trustworthy" for his consistency......regardless of whether you think he has been consistent there are many who would not see him as trustworthy today.

What is leadership? Leadership is an influence process: The ability to motivate others to do something, believe something or act a certain way. Leadership style is the pattern of behaviors you use when you are trying to influence the behavior of others.

Many people in the nonprofit/public interest sector have been thrust into leadership positions without appropriate training or experience. The good news is it's not too late to learn; there are many classes that offer tools for effective leadership. Here are eight characteristics Zimmerman Lehman looks for in a leader.

1) VISION - being able to articulate the future in clear simple language: An emphasis on what will be rather than what is. This is a quality almost all management gurus agree is necessary for a good leader. Our recent election had two very different visions for the future; whether you liked those visions is a different story. "I have a dream" by Martin Luther King, "I don't want a revolution in which I can't dance" by Emma Goldman are two of my favorites. A leader should be able to state concretely what success will look like and how their organization will get there.

2) You must understand what MOTIVATES people. Dolores Huerta and Caesar Chavez have inspired farm workers with their vision of a better life and working conditions. While those of us in the nonprofit world can't often offer high salaries, there are other motivators. Simple but too often ignored motivators include; praise (tell folks they've done a job well - it is hard to overdo this one!), appreciation (a simple "thank you" regularly will earn you respect), and recognition (awards, credit on a report, a letter of commendation). Learning to give positive feedback is crucial! Teambuilding exercises are a great way to build enthusiasm and cooperation. Sometimes, however, we need to motivate by being clear about consequences of inappropriate behavior.

3) One new trait, a current buzz phrase that was just coming on the scene ten years ago, is EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EI). Some call this a "gut instinct or an innate sense about what others are feeling." It used to be called empathy or intuition but now google EI and you get over one million hits. "EI" includes identifying, using, understanding and managing emotions. Both Oprah and Madonna can read a crowd like no one else and their EI is part of what makes them both successful. Being able to read people (know what they want or need) is invaluable. Those million hits will tell you that if your are not born with this instinct you can learn it!

4) You must be able to EMPOWER others. Jesse Jackson states that his Citizenship Education Fund "seeks to empower citizens through the effective use of public policy advocacy, issue orientation, and connections between the greater community and the disenfranchised." He does this well. Teach people how to accomplish a task - don't do it for them (even if you can do it faster or better, you don't have the time). Tell people what you expect from them, give them the tools they need to succeed, and then get out of their way. Learn to listen; nothing is more empowering than being heard.

5) You must be TRUSTWORTHY. Jimmy Carter's greatest asset is that his behavior is consistent with his beliefs. Even those who disagree with him respect him enormously. No one will follow a dishonest or unfair leader with enthusiasm. Actions do speak much louder than words!

6) Leaders must be willing to take RISKS. This sounds like a cliché but if you do things the way they've always been done - you will always get what you had before! Co-founders of Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, regularly take risks and today are reaping the benefits. Leaders should also reward risk-taking in others.

7) A leader should be able to FOCUS & FOLLOW THROUGH. This involves setting priorities and doing what you say you will. Woody Allen, role model or not, once said, "Eighty percent of success in life is just showing up." This is absolutely true. Knowing what to do and then doing it (or delegating it to some one who will make it happen) is a critical leadership trait.

8) And finally, but certainly not last - it helps to have a sense of HUMOR. The ability to laugh at oneself demonstrates a degree of self-knowledge and is the easiest way to bring others along with you. If you've read Amy Tan's books or listened to her speak you know she uses humor to tell a story or make a point. Humor is also a great tension breaker but inappropriate if used to belittle someone.

Find all these traits in one person and you are bound to see a leader. If you have some but not all.....well that is what training is all about. Which do you have? Which do you need to develop more of?

Copyright 2007 Zimmerman Lehman.

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