The Major Attributes of Leadership (#7 of 11):
7. A Pleasing Personality: No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect leaders who do not score highly on all factors of a pleasing personality. (From: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill).
In the 1970’s brute force and bullying were the norm among management. Over the last several decades, managers and leaders who truly excel at accomplishing great things through inspiring their resources (people who follow them), have learned that it is much more effective to motivate followers to perform at their highest potential because they truly “buy in” to the mission statement of your endeavor. I recently have been managing the development of a new resort hotel property for one of my clients in a somewhat remote area. It is remote at least in terms of access to skilled trades people and professional constructors. The project has been beset by many challenges, but by inspiring loyalty and trust in the project management team, the entire atmosphere of the work has turned from the typical selfishness and ego driven construction site to an atmosphere where everyone gives 120% of themselves towards the common goal. Much credit goes to my client, the Owner for his investment in the team, but putting in the effort to lead through an example of patience, flexibility, persistence, good humor and absolute faith has allowed me to draw more out of each team member than they knew they had to give, and they are happy to step up because they are proud to be part of such a tremendous effort that is changing the social and economic face of the local community.