Being A Leader in the

Real World

Knights Leadership Series

October 29, 2013

Shannon Jones

What is a Leader?

Webster’s Definition:

Person who has commanding authority or influence

Dictators

Prison Guards

This simple definition can have positive or negative outcomes

Listens to gain knowledge

Respects others’ opinions, even when they disagree- “Agree to disagree”

Ability to START and FINISH

Inspires people by they way they live

Seeks out constant personal and professional development for themselves and others around them

Always evaluates the possible outcomes of their decisions and actions

Understands the vast spectrum of personalities amongst people and is open minded, accepting, and diverse

“There are two things in life that are extremely important: Your attitude when you have everything and your patience when you have nothing”

An Effective Leader:

Desirable Qualities in an Effective Leader

Compassion

Patience

Integrity

Perseverance

Passion

Morally, ethically stable

Empathetic

We all have a CHOICE to become leaders

3 H’s:

Humility Hardworking

Honesty

Humility

Self Correcting

Admits when they do not know the answer or when they have made a mistake (Responsibility)

AND

Research and first to apologize (Accountability)

Hardworking

Successful leaders have failed over, and over, and over, and over again

Situational vs. Spatial Awareness

No one can judge effort; Effort is between you and you

Servant Leaders

“Carries water for the workers”

Bring out the best in your team by developing strengths and identifying weaknesses

Victory and winning are a product of hard work and preparation

Honesty

Be Authentic (Don’t compare your life to others)

Be Unique

Be Yourself

Don’t be afraid to stand out, be different, go against the grain, hold yourself above the standard

Trust and Respect = Meaningful Relationships

Meaningful Relationships

Introduce Yourself

Confidence vs. Arrogance

Take interest in other people’s lives

Celebrate others’ successes and accomplishments

Loyalty, Trust worthy, appreciative, committed, sincere, responsible, caring, flexible, dependable

Effective Communication

Purpose: Clear, Concise, straight to the point

Roles and Responsibilities

How to act and what to say

Meaningful relationships will break down any barriers that may exist (Mutual Trust)

Be as open as possible

Be sure there is acknowledgement of receiving of information

Effective Communication

A leader:

Prepares and Debriefs

Regular, consistent feedback

Sandwich Criticism

Positive-Negative-Positive

Your Chili tastes amazing; I think with a little more cayenne pepper, it could be the best chili on this side of the Mississippi, but don’t change the texture of your chili because it is incredible

A Leader Envisions Success

Vision: Believes they are going to win

Arnold’s Six Guidelines to Success:

1) Trust Yourself- ask your self WHO do you want to be

2) Break the Rules- Social Norms/Expectations (If you’re an introvert, speak up, if you’re an extrovert, take a moment to listen)

3) Don’t be afraid to fail- I have failed over and over again and that is why I succeed, Take risks, Learn from your mistakes, grow EVERY SINGLE DAY

4) Don’t listen to the Naysayers- Never regret anything that made you smile

5) Work your butt off- Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

6) Give something back- community service, appreciation, inspiration

What type of Leader are YOU?

“Greatness is not this elusive, esoteric, unattainable quality that only the special among us can achieve; it exists within

every single one of us”- Will Smith

“G-d Must have loved ordinary people, because he created so many of us”-Jimmy V

“Every Single Day, Ordinary people do extraordinary things”- Jimmy V

Realist Optimist

What’s Your WHY?

Why do you do what you do?

WHERE do you draw your inspiration/motivation?

What defines you?

WHO do you belong to?

WHAT do you believe in?