Cedrick Webb is CEO of Smart Digital.
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I believe that leadership is the core of any business, program or organization. Leadership is many things. In business, professions and in life, leadership is what makes the difference. It’s what moves an organization from nothing to something, and from stagnant to flourishing.
Below are the eight C’s that I believe a great leader must develop in order to lead and transform any organization.
Character
Character is probably the most important trait for any leader. If a leader cannot be trusted, they will not be followed. Once a person’s character is questioned, all credibility is out the window. As Warren Buffett once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”
Character is built by earning people’s trust over time. Being faithful when it comes to the little things leads to trust when it comes to the large things. Being honest and trustworthy over time is the only true way to establish and maintain trust in your character. Speak only necessary words, and whatever happens, do not lie.
Courage
Courage is the strength to stand strong during tough times. Difficult situations and circumstances will always arise, but the ability to stand strong in the face of adversity is what sets leaders apart. Nothing great is accomplished without great courage.
When tough times come, and they inevitably will, don’t stand down. Dig deeper to find an undiscovered level of courage that will lead you and your team to victory. Courage is contagious, and it’s a powerful way to inspire others. Don’t be afraid to take all the blame when things go wrong, but be sure to share the praise when things go right.
Change Agility
Change agility is a necessity for growth. Change is the only constant in business and life. Being able to change quickly when needed is what allows for flexibility and growth.
You can develop change agility by understanding your situations and circumstances and knowing which aspects of a plan are necessary and which ones are not. Let go of your own preconceived ideas of what you think success looks like and allow yourself to change in order to achieve the larger goals. You can do this by not allowing your ego to stop you from growing. If you make an error, recognize it, take ownership and work to correct your course.
Charge
Lead the charge. Leaders are out in front setting the pace. They lead by example so others can follow. As Albert Schweitzer is often quoted as saying, “The three most important ways to lead people are ... by example ... by example ... by example.”
Strive to lead by example in every aspect of your life. Be the most prepared and have the highest standards. Make sure your standards are followed by action. When others see that you won’t settle for anything less than your best, they will strive to attain the same level of standards that you have demonstrated.
Consistency
Consistency is sticking with goals and doing the little things right. Consistency in leadership will lead to achieving long-term goals. Will Durant is often credited with saying: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Be consistent in your messages and in your actions. Know your vision and stay true to it. Great leaders know what they want, and they display a high level of unwavering grit until the goal is achieved. You cannot afford to flip-flop or waver on your goals and vision. Doing so would create uncertainty and a lack of direction in your followers.
‘Cheerleadership’
Cheering others on and making others better should be the primary goal of a leader. People must feel supported and valued. A leader who doesn’t grow their followers isn’t a leader; they’re a dictator.
So cheer for the little things that often go unnoticed. Cheering for an employee’s growth in becoming the best version of themselves will foster more than just cheering them for performing their job duties. Encouraging and recognizing those who feel overlooked, treating others with a sense of optimism and treating them like family will go a long way.
Charm
Charm is important in leadership. The ability to win others over and persuade them to follow your lead is crucial.
This begins with finding common ground—people will follow those with whom they feel a connection, but make sure you’re being sincere. If others feel a genuine connection with you, they will be more likely to trust and follow you. Such a connection is built through being genuinely interested in others and treating them with kindness.
Compassion
Compassion is the ability to have genuine concern for others—not only for those in front but also for those in the back. The journey is hard for everyone, but a true leader understands that and does everything they can to make the shared journey easier. To quote Daniel Goleman, “True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.”
Compassion is rarely on peak display when you’re busy. To develop compassion, slow down enough to be able to see others. Get to know your people and their needs, empathize with them, and then take action. True compassion is always followed up by action. Slow down and develop awareness.
These are the core traits I look for in myself and in developing leaders. Successful leaders likely realize that some of these are more difficult to develop than others. In life and leadership, it’s all about growth. Above all, these traits are really about being a better person. Remember: People follow people, not systems or processes. Be a person worth following. Be a leader you would follow.
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