World's Greatest Party! - Delta Sigma Pi

Deltasig July 06 7/6/06 7:55 AM Page 34
What makes a good leader?
Organizational theorists have
advanced countless theories of
leadership over the years. Most of these
theories stress the importance of a particular
cluster of professional qualities—
the ability to organize work effectively,
for example, or the ability to motivate
subordinates.
True leadership, however, demands
strong and vibrant personal qualities—
qualities that set forth high ideals, qualities
that mobilize others toward action.
A number of those qualities—from A to
Z—follow. From time to time, ask yourself
whether these characteristics of
authentic leadership can describe you.
34 JULY 2006/THE DELTASIG OF DELTA SIGMA PI
Leadership
from A to Z
A–Active. A true leader is oriented
toward action. He/she constantly tries to
make things happen.
B–Bold. A leader is never afraid to
try new things. In fact, he/she is usually
eager to strike out in new directions.
C–Challenging. A leader challenges
other people to acquire new knowledge,
to try out new ways of doing things.
D–Dedicated. A leader exemplifies
the kind of dedication he/she wants to
see in others by practicing it themselves.
E–Enthusiastic. A good leader is
usually buoyant. He/she builds a sense
of excitement, adventure even, among
those they lead.
F–Frank. A leader is candid, honest
and “above board”—always. They are
quick to offer sincere praise to others.
And quick to offer honest, firm criticism,
along with a willingness to help, when
things go wrong.
G–Grateful. Leaders know they
can’t accomplish what needs to be done
by themselves. They are always eager to
show thanks for the efforts of co-workers
and staff.
H–Humble. However successful a
leader may appear, he/she knows much
of their success and good fortune is due
to those around them. He/she is always
generous in the credit they give others.
Motivation will almost always beat mere talent. –Norman R. Augustine A leader i
Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers—not their minds. –Unknown Y
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow
path and leave a trail. –Ralph Waldo Emerson The final test of a leader is that he leave
A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and w
changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced. –James Baldwin
l