Why Quality Leaders Seek To ACHIEVE?

Although, many, are either elected, selected, or ascend to some position of leadership, only a very small percentage of these individuals, ever become true, quality leaders! There are many significant differences, but, until/ unless, an individual emphasizes results, and seeks to ACHIEVE, whatever is the best interests, of the organization, and constituents, he serves and represents, there is no possibility of ever becoming a quality leader! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it makes such a significant difference.

1. Attention; attitude; aptitude: What someone focuses on, and pays keen attention to, generally has a significant impact, on his overall success and impact! One must proceed, consistently, with a positive, can - do, attitude, combined with a well - developed, skill - set, and aptitude, to perform, as a true leader, should, and must!

2. Character; clarity; creative; choices: The measure of a true leader's character, is how he behaves, whether others are looking, or not! His message must be articulated, with the utmost degree of clarity, in order to motivate and inspire others, to buy - into, his ideas! When this is done, in a creative way, rather than merely the ordinary, same - old, same - old, he positions himself, to make the best choices, and select the finest options and alternatives!

3. Healing; head/ heart: One is not a real leader, unless his priority is healing, and unifying, rather than polarizing, and dividing! To do so, there must be an effort to consider, both, the emotional, as well as emotional components, in a head/ heart balance!

4. Integrity; imagination; ideas: You can't choose, when you will exhibit integrity, and when to avoid, because it may be inconvenient! One must proceed with absolute integrity, combined with a well - developed, fully considered, imagination, and the foresight, to look at both the relevant, immediate needs, as well as sustainable ramifications, and solutions! Measure the quality of your ideas, by whether they make a true difference, for the better!

5. Empathy; emphasis: Leading must never be, about one's personal/ political agenda, and/ or self - interest, but rather, based on effectively listening, and learning, from every conversation and experience, proceeding with genuine empathy, and placing his emphasis, accordingly.

6. Vital, vibrant vision: A real leader must expand the limits of his self - imposed comfort zone, and proceed forward, when others give up, because he is motivated by a relevant, meaningful, vital, vibrant vision!

7. Excellence; endurance: How can anyone achieve in a quality manner, unless he demands his utmost, personal excellence? Only when this is combined with the endurance to persist, and overcome obstacles, and seek the best solutions, will he ever, make a difference, and/ or change, for the better!

Will you do, everything possible, to seek, to ACHIEVE? Are you the right person, to be a leader?

Do You Have A Leader's FOCUS?

One of the necessary intangibles, we often see, someone, hoping to be a leader, lacking, is the ability, and commitment, to proceeding, consistently, with the utmost degree of relevant FOCUS. A true leader must be organized, and committed, to emphasize, what will make a significant difference, for the better, rather than merely, proceeding, with any change, for - change - sake! Because there are generally, many obstacles thrust in one's way, and these challenges, must be faced realistically, addressed, in a well - considered, timely manner, and potential ramifications, considered, with eyes - wide - open, it requires the utmost degree of relevant focus, to serve as a true, meaningful, effective leader. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, the essence of this asset, and why it matters.

1. Face facts; features; furnish; future; fruition: One's focus must begin, with a willingness, to realistically, recognize, and face the facts, and consider, the best course of action, and how to proceed. A true leader enhances the best features, while addressing weaknesses, so as to furnish, the group, and stakeholders, with the best options, towards a sustainable future. However, only when/ if, one maintains his focus, throughout the process, will he become capable of bringing his ideas, to a desirable fruition!

2. Options; opportunities; opinions: It's important to differentiate one's opinions, from actual facts, while considering, with an open - mind, the most viable options and alternatives, and positioning the organization, to be capable of taking advantage of the finest opportunities!

3. Character; creativity: You won't lead, effectively, by merely remaining within the restrictions of your self - imposed, comfort zone, but, rather, must possess, a well - developed degree of relevant creativity, while maintaining, a quality character, focused on making a difference, for the better!

4. Useful; usable; unique; urge: What one urges, others, to do, must be based on the most useful, relevant, sustainable concepts, which are, both, actually, as well as perceived as being usable! How will you place, your unique stamp, on your leadership, in order, to help others, focus on the best way, rather than the expedient approaches?

5. System; service; solutions; sustainable: You need clear focus, to perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and implement, a system, based on service, and solutions, which are not merely band - aids, for the present stresses, but, rather, consistently, relevant, and sustainable!

Will you proceed, with the best FOCUS, to effectively lead? Are you up to the task?

How A Leader Earns RESPECT?

Many of us remember the famous, Rodney Dangerfield, comedy routine, I don't get no respect. The similarity between Rodney's complaint, and, that, of many pseudo - leaders, is, while they feel, they aren't getting the degree of RESPECT, they believe they deserve, a true leader recognizes, one must earn that respect, because it doesn't automatically come, as a result of any position, and/ or status. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly identify, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, why this is something sought, and needed, by a quality leader, and what it might mean, and represent.

1. Relevant; responsive; reliable: Quality leadership must be, consistently, and meaningfully, relevant, both, to the organization's sustainability, etc, as well as to the stakeholders, served and represented! A real leader must be responsive to the essential goals, and priorities, as well as perceptions, or why would others, grant him that desired, respect! He must also proceed, towards seeking, the most reliable courses, of actions, which might make a quality difference, for the better, for the group, and constituents!

2. Empathy; emphasis: Only when/ if, someone realizes, he doesn't know - it - all, or have all the answers, and makes a concerted effort to listen, far more than he speaks, and learns, from every conversation, and experience, will he place his emphasis, where it is most appreciated, and his efforts are, therefore, most respected!

3. Service; systems; sustainable solutions: Why should anyone respect you, unless your focus is on service to stakeholders, and organization, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest? What systems someone puts into place, often differentiate a true leader, who deserves to be respected, and the rest - of - the - pack! A quality leader perceives and conceives of, discovers, creates, and implements, sustainable solutions, rather than merely, blaming, and complaining!

4. Priorities; planning: How someone determines his priorities, and how others perceive them, often is a major differentiation, between one, who earns the respect, and others! To achieve, and make a change, for the better, requires professional, well - intentioned, leadership planning!

5. Excellence; energize: Will you demand the highest degree of your personal excellence, or accept, merely, good - enough? Only one who follows the first path, will positively, energize others, to care more, become more committed, and involved!

6. Character; clarity; creative; choices: The measure of one's character, should be measured by whether he articulates, with utmost clarity, considers various options and alternatives, and makes his choices, after creative, thorough, consideration, and with a positive, can - do, attitude!

7. Timely: We often witness fearful individuals, who fear, making timely, well - considered, choices, and decisions, and observe, how this tendency towards procrastination, hurts their leadership, and the organization's potential relevance, and sustainability!

This article has touched upon some of the aspects of a leader, earning RESPECT. Are you willing, and able, to proceed, in that way?

Essentials of FINEST Leadership

Although, many people, are elected, selected, or ascend to positions of leadership, very few, actually become the FINEST possible leader. In this age, where we are witnessing, and ever - increasing, dearth of genuine leadership, which is one of the primary reasons, so few organizations, remain strong, relevant, and sustainable, wouldn't we better served, if groups' leaders, were better prepared, to make a difference, for the better? In my, over four decades, of identifying, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting, to thousands of actual, as well as, pseudo - leaders, I have attempted to emphasize, some of the characteristics, traits, abilities, etc, a real leader, needs to possess. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and why it matters.

1. Face facts; future; furnish; fruition: One must avoid burying, his head, in the sand, and be willing to face the facts, and consider, both present needs, and challenges, as well as how to proceed forward, to ensure the best future! He must furnish the skills, and true leadership, to transform ideas, to fruition, in a relevant, sustainable manner.

2. Integrity; imagination; ideas; ideology: We, unfortunately, witness, far, too few, individuals, who possess, and proceed, with absolute integrity! A true leader must start there, and then possess, a relevant imagination, to consider options and alternatives, with an open - mind, and introduce the best ideas, to achieve great objectives, which align, with the ideology of the organization.

3. Needs: If it doesn't focus on, and address the genuine needs, of stakeholders, and the group, it isn't leading! To do so, a meaningful leader must put the needs of others, ahead of any personal/ political agenda, and. or self - interest!

4. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence: Begin by effectively listening, far more than speaking, and commit to consistently learning from every conversation, and experience, so as to proceed, with relevant, inspiring, genuine empathy! This must direct, where one's primary emphasis, should be placed, in order to energize others to greater commitment and involved, and, thus, become more capable of providing, the degree of excellence, an organization deserves!

5. Service; system; sustainable solution: Measure one's quality, and degree of leadership, on, whether it provides the utmost service, to those he serves and represents! It's essential to develop, a quality system, and avoid empty rhetoric and promises, while introducing the finest, sustainable solutions!

6. Timely: Since procrastination, is, generally, the death, of genuine leadership, one must proceed, forward, with well - considered, timely action!

Will you use the essentials of FINEST leadership? Why do you wish, to be, a leader?

Leaders Must Make The MOST Of Opportunities!

If you have ever watched any sports competitions, you've probably observed, the winners, generally, especially, in closer contests, are those, who, take advantage of, and make the MOST of opportunities! When it comes to effective leadership, this is even more so, because, as I have witnessed in my over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leading, and planning, although we sometimes, observe, individuals, who appear to possess the same quality, positive, can - do, attitudes, as well as well - developed, relevant, aptitude, and skill - sets, certain people become far more effective, relevant, significant, sustainable leaders! How one proceeds, in terms of being ready and capable of recognizing, and handling those opportunities, which might present themselves, as well as whether, someone, is able to perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and use the finest opportunity, differentiates the greatest leaders, from the rest - of - the - pack! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, why this makes a difference.

1. Make mark; motivate; mention; master: How can anyone make their mark, for the better, until/ unless, he proceeds forward, and masters the necessities of leading? Often, these, otherwise - qualified individuals, forget the need, to motivate constituents, in a positive way, by mentioning, and thanking others, for any, and every effort, etc!

2. Overcome obstacles; options; opinions: There are always challenges to leading, and one must be ready, and able, to consistently overcome obstacles, by considering and examining viable options and alternatives, with an open - mind! In addition, a true leader possesses the self - confidence, to articulate his opinions, in the best interests of his constituents, and organization!

3. System; service; sustainable solutions: True leaders place their unique stamp, on their leading, by perceiving, and conceiving of, creating, developing and implementing, their finest system! It must emphasize service to constituents and organization, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest! It's not genuine leadership, if the focus is not, on relevant, sustainable solutions!

4. Trendsetter; timely: We need leaders, who are prepared, and ready to be trendsetters, and expand the restrictions, of their self - imposed, personal comfort zones! However, unless they overcome the tendency to procrastinate, by proceeding forward, with well - considered, timely actions, they will not lead, as is needed, and necessary!

Will you be willing and ready to make the MOST of opportunities? How will you ensure, you're up, to the task, and challenges?

Why A Leader Must Be A DIRECTOR?

True leaders must be, the first ones, to step forward, with relevant, sustainable, well - considered, ideas, and introduce viable solutions, to obstacles, and challenges, which are either actual, or perceived! Rather than trying, to merely, fit - in, a real leader, expands the limitations of his self - imposed, comfort zone, and realizes, one is only leading, when he directs others, towards creating the best way, to achieve the common good! Therefore, one must become ready, willing, and able, to serve as a quality DIRECTOR, and inspire and motivate stakeholders, to come together, and unify, for the common good, and the best possible results. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of the necessities, of achieving, what is needed, and necessary, to make the group, better and stronger.

1. Delve deeply; deliver; decide: If you don't like to, or feel comfortable with, or are unwilling, and/ or unable, to make a well - considered, decision, you probably, shouldn't be, a leader! One must delve deeply, and consider several options, which will enhance, how he might over - deliver, rather than over - promise!

2. Integrity; imagination; ideas; ideology: Integrity must be absolute, or it won't create trust! When an individual possesses a relevant, imagination, and introduces meaningful ideas, which align with the group's ideology, he begins to direct others, towards making significant improvements!

3. Relevant; reliable: What good, does anyone serve, if he simply acts, or looks busy, rather than proceeding, with relevant plans and programs? These must be well - considered, as well as truly, reliable!

4. Empathy; emphasis; energy: Listen effectively, and learn from every conversation and experience, so you better understand and appreciate, the concerns, perceptions, and priorities/ goals, of constituents. This enables you to proceed with the utmost degree of genuine empathy, and to place you emphasis, and energy, where it will do the most good!

5. Character; creative: Do you have the strength, of character, to be creative, and focused on others, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or self - interest?

6. Timely: When you accept your responsibility as a director, and take this seriously, you will avoid the temptation, to procrastinate, and will consistently, proceed, with well - considered, timely actions, and plans!

7. Options; opportunities: Only when a leader, realizes, he must fully consider, several, viable options and alternatives, will he be prepared to recognize, and take advantage of the finest opportunities!

8. Responsive; responsible: When someone is the right person, for the position, he focuses on responsive solutions, as well as assuming responsibility, rather than merely, complaining, and blaming!

Are you willing to assume the responsibilities of being the DIRECTOR, when you become a leader? Are you up to this task?

Are Your CHANGES, For The Better?

We have often witnessed, and/ or, observed, individuals seeking positions of leadership. campaign, on the premise of the need, for changes, to be made, if the organization, is to be effective, relevant, and sustainable. However, unfortunately, in the vast number of instances, these CHANGES. end up, not making any significant difference, because they are merely, change - for - change, sake! True leaders, on the other hand, realize, appreciate, and understand, unless this process, focuses on well - considered, review, discussion, observation, accompanied by a thorough plan, for improving things, little benefit is achieved. With that in mind, this article will attempt to review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, how a genuine leader, should proceed, to create the best possible, set of circumstances, using a professionally designed, strategic plan, and bringing it, forward, to develop, the most meaningful, action plan.

1. Character; creative; choices: We need leaders, with the strength, of character, to fully consider their choices, and proceed, in a creative way, to make their organization, the best, it can possibly be. When this is the starting point, any changes, and/ or modifications, are focused on serving the common good, rather than any personal agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

2. Healing; head/ heart: Unless one's focus is on healing divisions, and bringing about a meeting, of the minds, any changes, are rarely beneficial! Therefore, a true leader, consistently, proceeds, with a head/ heart balance!

3. Attention; attitude; aptitude: One must pay keen attention, to the potential ramifications, which might come, from changing things! Therefore, one must proceed, with a positive, can - do, attitude, combined, with a relevant, well - honed, aptitude!

4. Needs: Making changes, simply, for change - sake, rarely, makes anything better! The focus and emphasis, must be, based on the needs, goals, perceptions, and priorities, of the group, and stakeholders!

5. Growth; generate goodwill: Organizations must constantly undergo quality growth, or they will fail to inspire and motivate constituents, to remain committed, and feel strongly, in a positive way, towards getting more involved. Only, when a leader, consistently, generates goodwill, not, by his rhetoric and/ or promises, but rather by his plans, and actions, does any change, become beneficial, and positive!

6. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence: Before proceeding, one must effectively listen, and learn from every conversation, and experience, and exhibit genuine empathy! This should drive one's emphasis, in a way, which energizes, others! Never abandon your commitment, to striving for your utmost degree of personal excellence!

7. Service; system; sustainable solutions: You aren't leading, unless your primary focus, and emphasis, is on providing relevant service! To do so, meaningful leaders, perceive and conceive of, create, implement, and use, the best possible system! It's important to recognize, the major intentions, should be, on providing sustainable, well - considered, solutions!

Are the CHANGES, you seek, for the better? Or, will you be, another, pseudo - leader, who merely uses rhetoric, and makes empty promises?

The NAPPISCIAM Approach To Creating A Quality Action Plan

Many people speak about the need, for a meaningful, relevant strategy, and applying that, to perceiving, conceiving, developing, and implementing, the best possible, action plan, but few, once they assume, positions of leadership, actually, do so! After over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leading, and leadership planning, and having identified, qualified, trained, and developed, thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, I have come to believe, one meaningful way, to do so, is what I refer to, as, the NAPPISCIAM approach, to developing, a valuable action plan. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and why it makes, a real difference, for the better.

1. Needs: No plan, makes any difference, for the better, until/ unless, it is based on the actual needs, of the organization, itself, as well as its stakeholders. In order to do so, takes the ability to fully consider, what these actually are, without any preconceived notions!

2. Attention: How one focuses his attention, and whether, he does so, with an open - mind, differentiates between true leaders, and the rest - of - the - pack!

3. Priorities: Whose priorities, one serves and represents, is significant, because unless, it is based on the needs, goals, and perceptions of stakeholders, and constituents, it is not possible, to create the best, action plan, for the particular group!

4. Perceptions: Two types of needs, should be addressed, in one's strategic and action plans! The first of these, obviously is the actual ones, but, unless, an attempt is made, to identify, and address, the perceptions of those one serves and represents, why would anyone be willing to listen, and participate?

5. Empathize: In developing, strategies, and approaches, a leader must prioritize, effectively listening, and learning, from every conversation, and experience! Only, when this is the process, will anyone be able to genuinely, empathize, and involve, and inspire, others, to buy - into, the program!

6. Strategy: You can't jump, right - in, and create an action plan. Rather, one must proceed, with a strategy, focused on addressing, current challenges, and needs, in a relevant manner, while ensuring, his approach, is, also, sustainable!

7. Consider; create: Great leaders, seriously consider, the options and alternatives, if they hope, to create an action plan, which might make a difference, for the better!

8. Implement: The reason, it's called, an action plan, is it creates a system, which implements, strategies, and approaches, focused, on change - for - the - better!

9. Articulate: How can one, get others to follow your plan, unless, you are able, and willing, to articulate, an inspiring, motivating, message?

10. Motivate to action: No one, leads, in a vacuum! Rather, it is incumbent, upon, quality leaders, to motivate, and inspire, others, to participating, and taking relevant action!

Will you consider the NAPPISCIAM approach, to creating, and developing, a quality, action plan? Are you the best person, for the responsibility?

Why True Leaders Must Be Willing To Think OUTSIDE The Box?

After more than 4 decades of involvement in leadership planning, development, identification, qualification, and consultation, I have come to believe, that, perhaps, the greatest challenge, to producing and developing, the best possible, most effective leaders, may, in fact, be, related to how individuals think, or fail to! It's not merely about, finding individuals, ready, willing, and able, to make well - considered decisions, based on enhanced aptitudes, etc, and recognizing, one will make little difference, for the better, until/ unless, he expands the limitations and restrictions of self - imposed, comfort zones, but becomes capable of, thinking, OUTSIDE the box! With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it matters.

1. Options; open - minded; opportunities; opinions: Pseudo - leaders, often, appear to be willing to believe, there is only one way to proceed. They strictly abide by the pursuit of the same - old, same - old, rather than considering options and alternatives, with an open - mind! Only when this is the process, will one proceed, to consider, and be prepared to recognize, and take advantage of the finest opportunities, which might present themselves! They realize, it is incumbent upon a true leader, to express his opinions, in a well - considered, inspiring, motivating manner.

2. Useful; usable; unique: Obviously, nothing will make a leader, meaningful, unless/ until, he provides useful leadership. This means his ideas must be usable, and valuable. We need individuals, who put their unique, fingerprints, on their strategic and action plans!

3. Timely: The antithesis of leading, is procrastination! Challenges, often, become problems, unless they are addressed, in a well - considered, timely way!

4. Service; system; sustainable solution: We need leaders, whose primary emphasis is on service, to their organizations and stakeholders, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest! When one perceives and conceives of, creates, and develops, a quality system, which considers present, and future needs, priorities, etc, he becomes capable of introducing the best, sustainable solutions.

5. Ideas; imagination; integrity; ideology: Absolute integrity, often, is the key ingredient, between true leaders, and the rest, of - the - pack! A leader must align his ideas, with the ideology, of the organization. To make a real difference, he needs, to possess a quality imagination, to consider the best way, to proceed!

6. Delve deeply; deliver: One must be willing, and ready, to delve deeply, to become the type of leader, his group needs, and deserves! We should evaluate one's leadership, by whether he under - promises, and over - delivers!

7. Empathy; emphasis; energize: When one begins, by effectively listening, and learning from every conversation, and experience, he becomes capable of proceeding, with the utmost degree, of genuine empathy! This should direct, him, to place his emphasis, where it will energize, and inspire, others, to greater commitment and involvement.

True leaders must be willing, and able, to think, OUTSIDE the box! Are you the right person, for this task, and responsibility?

The ONGORS Of Strategic Planning

Unless someone, is ready, willing, and able, to strategically plan, in a relevant, sustainable manner, how can he possibly, hope, to become, a quality, meaningful, effective leader? Far too often, organizations, claim, to honor this process, but rather, than focus on developing the best, possible, strategy, rather than merely, an expedient excuse to complain, and blame others, etc, the possibilities, are often, exponentially, expanded, and broadened! After over 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leadership, and, especially, planning, from identify, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting to thousands of actual, and/ or potential leaders, I have decided, a simple, effective way, to consider this process, is to examine, the ONGORS of strategic planning. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and, why, it might be a smart approach.

1. Open - minded; organized: It's important to begin with, and maintain am open - mind, in order to consider the possibilities, and alternatives, thorough, and with the most, well - considers, attention! One must be organized, in order to ensure the highest degree of effectiveness, in a relevant, sustainable manner!

2. Needs: Shouldn't an organization's strategic plan, be focused, on the true needs, of constituents, and the group, itself? Why should anyone, consider, greater involvement, and commitment, unless/ until, he perceives its purpose, as addressing their needs, goals and priorities?

3. Goals; greater good: Before developing any strategic plan, it's important to carefully consider, and address the goals, which should be addressed and assisted, by how the organization proceeds. This strategic planning must focus on the greater - good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

4. Options; opportunities: There's usually many decisions, and alternatives, to choose from, and which, options, and paths, are the best ways to proceed. Any planning must include a willingness, and ability to consider, and recognize the finest opportunities, which will make the group, stronger, and more viable/ sustainable!

5. Ramifications: Every action taken, or avoided, has potential ramifications. A true leader's strategy must consider, and recognize these, and must include, processes, for handling, potential challenges, and the creation of well - considered, contingency plans!

6. Sustainable system: It's not going to make a difference, for the better, until/ unless, any process, aims to perceive and conceive of, consider, create, develop, and implement a viable, relevant, sustainable system, which emphasizes quality, and meaningful service!

Will you consider the ONGORS of strategic planning? Will you keep them, in mind, when you plan, the best way, to proceed?

Some Begin, But True Leaders FINISH!

Although many individuals, either, ascend to, are elected, or selected, to positions of leadership, I have discovered, in my, over four decades of involvement, of nearly every aspect, from identifying, qualifying, training, and developing, to consulting, and serving, personally, as a leader, in various positions, for a variety of types of organizations, perhaps, the simplest explanation of the difference between a genuine leader, from the pseudo - leaders, or rest - of - the - pack, is while most possess positive intentions/ insights, a real leader, not only begins, but persists, and endures, until the FINISH. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, and review, using the mnemonic approach, why this process, is so meaningful, in determining the most effective leaders.

1. Future; furnish; face facts; fruition: Populist leaders are often members of false leadership! Only, when one focuses on the future, and plans thoroughly and effectively, does it become possible, to furnish the finest, sustainable solutions. Rather than burying, their heads, in the sand, a true leader faces facts, perceives, and conceives, the best way to proceed, and persists, until his ideas, are brought, effectively, to fruition!

2. Ideas; imagination: One must never restrict the possibilities, by remaining within his personal, comfort zone, but rather, it's important, to possess, and proceed, with the imagination, not merely, to see things as they are, but to create, a process, to evolve them, to where they, should be!

3. Needs: Genuine leadership must be based on genuine needs, goals, and priorities, if one, is to make a difference, for the better!

4. Ideology; integrity: Unless someone aligns his ideology, with that, of the group, and its stakeholders, and does so, with absolute integrity, he will never become a true leader, but, rather, will remain, to be, one of the many, pseudo - leaders!

5. System; service; sustainable solutions: Look closely at someone's system, and who, it serves, effectively! When a so - called, leader's priority, is service to constituents, and the organization, he proceeds to demonstrate, his genuine ability, by perceiving and conceiving of, the finest, possible, sustainable solutions!

6. Healing; head/ heart: Shouldn't a real leader, emphasize healing divisions, and bringing together, his constituents, for the common good, rather than resorting to any adversarial, and/ or polarizing approach, etc? To do so, effectively, he must take advantage of a quality, logical ability, with a genuine, emotional attachment! This is what I refer to, as the head/ heart, balance, of a genuine leader!

Will you merely begin, or will you persist and endure, and FINISH, what you start, in the most meaningful way? Are you up to the task and responsibilities?

Essentials Of FINEST Leadership

You have determined, you are ready, and fit, to serve in some position of leadership. You've either, been elected, selected, or ascend to the position, yet, how will you pursue, your effort, with the goals and intents, of being the FINEST leader, you are capable of being? In my over 4 decades of identifying, qualifying, training, developing, and consulting to, thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, I have come to realize, there are few, who actually go on, to become meaningful leaders. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of the necessities, and focuses, to pay attention to.

1. Face facts; future; furnish; fruition: You can't bury, your head, in the sand, and hope, to make any difference, for the better! Rather than denial, quality leaders, face the facts, and seek solutions, to overcome obstacles and challenges! They don't merely, look to create, any short - term, band - aid, plans, but rather, focus on relevant, sustainable programs, to bring the group, to the future. To do so, they must be able to furnish genuine leadership, and persist, consistently, towards bringing the finest possibilities, to fruition!

2. Integrity; imagination; ideas; ideology: Will you maintain absolute integrity, and combine this, with a relevant imagination, in order to introduce relevant ideas, which align with the ideology, of the organization? How will you ensure, you are ready, willing, and able, to pursue the finest possibilities?

3. Needs: You are only leading, when/ if, you focus on needs, goals, priorities, etc, which make a significant difference, for the best interests of your group, and constituents! It's not about, looking, and/ or being busy, but, rather, doing something about it!

4. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence: You need to proceed, with an emphasis on effectively listening, and consistently learning, from every experience, and conversation, in order to lead, in a manner, which energizes, your stakeholders! When you combine this, with a clear focus on excellence, in everything you do, and pursue, you make fine results, more possible!

5. Service; system; sustainable system: Genuine leaders introduce a system, focused on quality service, for the common good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest! A relevant program/ plan, must include planning, focused on creating the finest, sustainable system!

6. Timely: There is no place for procrastination, if you wish, to be a quality leader! Every effort, must emphasize, well - considered, timely action!

Hopefully, this brief discussion, will help you focus on providing the FINEST leadership. Will you proceed, with this, goal, and focus?

Leaders Make The MOST Of Opportunities!

Quality leadership is not, merely, about how one articulates his perspective and ideas, and/ or even, how effectively, he might implement it, but, rather, should, perhaps, be measured, by, whether, and. how well, an individual, proceeds, with an open - mind, and welcomes considering viable options and alternatives, expanding and escaping, the seeming - safety, of doing the same - old, same - old, and restriction of one's personal comfort zone! Doing so, a true leader, is capable of, not merely recognizing, but taking advantage of, and making the MOST of the possibilities, and opportunities. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, examine, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of what this means, and why doing so, often, makes a significant difference, for the better.

1. Make mark; motivate; mention; master: Meaningful leaders seek to make their mark, for the better, for the organization, and stakeholders. To do so, they realize, they must consistently motivate others, to become more involved and committed, and, therefore, make a concerted effort, to mention, each effort, of these individuals, and thank them. When one masters these types of personal skills, and proceeds with a true, positive, can - do, attitude, he becomes far more capable of mastering his art, which must include, being ready, willing and able, to recognize opportunities, which present themselves, and/ or create his own, and make the most of each possibility!

2. Options; opinions; overcome obstacles: Since there are always obstacles, to leadership, truly leading, means using the opportunities, to overcome these, and consider all viable options and alternatives. He must possess the self - confidence, to express his opinion, for the common good!

3. Service; system; sustainable solutions: One's emphasis and focus, must be on providing the best degree of quality service, to both, the group, and constituents. Doing so, means considering approaches, plans, etc, and perceiving, conceiving, creating and implement, a system, to achieve worthwhile goals and objectives. If one is to lead, however, he must ensure his approaches, produce relevant, sustainable solutions!

4. Trendsetter; timely: Only when someone, remains open to the possibilities, does he become capable of recognizing, and taking advantage, of the finest opportunities. He must be a trendsetter, when necessary, and never procrastinate! The individual must take well - considered, timely action, instead!

Will you permit yourself, to openly consider and recognize opportunities, options and alternatives, and make the MOST of them? Are you up to the task?

7 Steps To Effective Negotiations

So much of leadership, requires the ability to negotiate, effectively, and wisely, yet, so few individuals, who, either ascend to, are elected, and/ or selected, to these positions, appear prepared to do so, in the most professional manner. Only when a leader realizes, how important, it is, to proceed, consistently, with the ability to pursue the finest, professionally - developed, negotiations, will he make the greatest impact, for the better, for the organization, he represents, and the stakeholders, he serves. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly identify, consider, review and discuss, 7 steps towards effective negotiations, including how important, the preparation of a relevant, Request for Proposal, or RFP, is, to making a difference, for the better.

1. Know the purpose: Don't jump into any negotiation, unless/ until, you first fully understand and appreciate the purpose, you wish to achieve, and consider your priorities, and focus! One must be able, to thoroughly explain the needs, to the other side, if he hopes to achieve his objectives, but, that means, first understanding them, himself! Once this is understood, it should become the preliminary focus, of the RFP, which you submit, as the first - step, in a professional negotiating process!

2. Clarify position/ needs: Effectively negotiating, never should include, distorting, and/ or lying about what you organization offers, to the other negotiator, because, unless you earn the trust, you'll never achieve, in the long - run, the proper objectives! The clearer, you explain, what you need, and the better you identify the difference between needs, and wishes, the better your results! Seek a win - win scenario, if you hope to achieve what you seek!

3. Useful budgeting: Rather than creating a budget, after - the - fact, hoping to squeeze, a square - peg, into  round - hole, one should create a realistic, useful budget, which requires, under - estimating revenues, and over - stating expenditures. Include every foreseeable expense, from marketing, and attracting attendees, to venue expenses, including Food and Beverage, etc, to transportation, etc, costs, and negotiate, based on a realistic understanding, of what you can afford, and clearly, explain that, to the other negotiator. This should be the preliminary basis of your RFP.

4. Open and honest; empathetic: Study what the other side needs, and seeks, and seek to create a meeting - of - the - minds, where both sides, work together, to share savings, and proceed, effectively! The combination of genuine empathy, as well as integrity, are essential components, in this process!

5. Priorities vs Wish - list: Identify, understand, and differentiate between the priorities, and your wish - list. While there are some items, which might be sacrificed, in a specific negotiation, these must not be any of the priorities!

6. Effective negotiating: Think - outside - the - box! Discuss approaches, which will benefit both sides, so everyone considers this a win! That is the key to effective negotiating!

7. Close the deal: Move the process, along, towards a successful conclusion. This means, showing how this make sense, to both sides, and after, meaningfully, negotiating, for over 4 decades, it means closing, the deal.I like to use, something like this expression, In light of how this benefits both of us, and makes sense, for us to proceed, doesn't it make sense, to come to a meeting - of - the - minds, as soon as possible, and proceed forward? Doesn't it?

Whether you are negotiating for an event, office space, or anything else, a real leader must do so, as professionally, as possible! Will you have the patience, understanding, and persistence, to do so?

What Should Be A Leader's QUEST?

The Man of La Mancha, famously, included the song, which included, the lyrics, This is my quest! Few of us, however, consider how essential, the focus of one's QUEST, is, on the eventual quality and effectiveness, of one's leadership! How an individual believes, and what he seeks to achieve, including his dedication, and reasons, for wanting to lead, are significant, to the end - result! A true leader, nearly always, possesses a vibrant, vital vision, which inspires and motivates, not only others, but himself, so he persists, regardless of the obstacles, perceiving these to be challenges, rather than problems! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, and review, using the mnemonic approach, some of these necessities, and why it matters.

1. Quality; question; qualm fears: The true leader does not accept, merely doing something, but, rather, seeks to proceed, with the utmost commitment, to quality! He questions, the way things are, but focuses, on how they should be, and the best path, to get there! When others believe in a leader, he becomes, more capable, of proceeding, in a way, where he is able to qualm fears, and doubts, and inspires and motivates, others, by demonstrating, why his strategy, makes sense, to constituents, and the overall organization!

2. Useful; usable: Why become a leader, if your focus, and emphasis, and personal goals, are not useful, to making the group, more relevant and sustainable? Every idea, and strategy, should aim to be, usable, so they make a difference, for the better!

3. Empathy; emphasis; excellence; energize; endurance: It's important to recognize, one does not lead, in a vacuum, and therefore, it's important to listen effectively, and learn, the priorities, needs, and desires, of constituents, in order to proceed with the utmost degree of genuine empathy! This must direct where to place one's emphasis, in order to produce quality and excellence, which will energize, the stakeholders, to make the organization, become the best, it can be! Because there are always obstacles, a true leader must possess endurance, to persist, when the rest - of - the - pack, stops trying!

4. Service; system; sustainable solutions: How will you develop a quality system, to achieve the objective, of providing the best service, to others? Your aim must be, to proceed forward, and do so, in both, a relevant way, and to introduce, develop, and implement, the finest, sustainable solutions!

5. Timely; trendsetter: To make a difference, which counts, a leader must make well - considered, timely decisions, and create a meaningful action plan! Rather than remaining within the self - imposed limitations, of one's comfort zone, one's quest must include, the willingness, to be a true trendsetter!

Why do you believe, you should be a leader? What is your QUEST? 

The More Someone Protests, The More There May Be To It

The adage "Thou protestest too much," often referred to someone making repeated denials that often appeared disproportionate to what was being asked. While sometimes, someone is "thin skinned," and thus reacts to any type of criticism in a demonstrative manner, it is quite often that when someone has done something, either wrong, in error, or not as well as he should have, that he protests loudly and vehemently.

As disconcerting as that obviously is in personal matters, it often has far more serious and far- reaching impacts and ramifications, when it comes to organizations. While most individuals who ascend to leadership positions in organizations are generally well meaning and well intentioned, I have, unfortunately, seen numerous examples of these individuals who are either "in over their head" because they are ill-prepared for the necessities of the position, and very often unwilling to admit their shortcomings. These individuals very often get "defensive" when questioned, and become "territorial" in their dealings. Their continued "state of denial" often leads to a "crippling" effect on an organization, because many organizations are so heavily dependent on their volunteer leadership.

This situation more often than not becomes even more "toxic" because the untrained, ill-prepared individual is often swayed by someone who comforts him, and "shuts down" against someone who is more confrontational and questioning. Since relations between volunteer leaders and paid staff are often quite fluid, with certain leaders becoming "friendly" with staff, while others are more demanding that paid staff do what they are supposed to be doing. One of the greatest challenges, and weakest links in this whole procedure, is so few of these individuals even know what to realistically search for.

Loudly protesting something doesn't make the protester's position or point of view any more valid. My experience has been that those that are always complaining and protesting that they are being treated badly, or without sufficient respect, often do not warrant the respect that they seek. One of the most common complaints by these types of individuals is often that someone does not give them enough credit for knowing what to do, or that they are "grown up," or that they don't need advice, or complain that they are being "micromanaged."

Leadership consultants eventually discover that it really is not micromanagement if the individual doesn't have sufficient grasp on what needs to be done.

Leaders Always Find It Harder When They Can't Trust Their Co-Leaders

One of the greatest disappointments, and initially one of my biggest surprises, that I have encountered in my more than three decades training leaders, is that quite often, the harder working, most visioning, best trained and most capable leader is confronted by far more obstacles than those that are merely "leader by ascension." When I refer to "leaders by ascension," I refer to the great majority of organizational leaders that are ineffective, untrained, procrastinate, and lack the vision of a true leader.

I have surmised that the reason for this situation is that the most dedicated leaders often become disappointed in, and begin to lack confidence in, their co-leaders. Many ineffective leaders make a commitment to do something, but then follow the path of least resistance, often blaming others, over-delegating to unqualified or untrained individuals, refuse to pay attention to necessary details, or unwilling to "rock the boat."

For most otherwise effective leaders, this can create a considerable amount of stress, often causing the individual to waste valuable time dealing with personality conflicts, or issues that develop because something that another committed to was not in a timely and/ or a correct basis, thus often exacerbating what should have been a somewhat minor issue into something major.

My examination into leadership teams at most organization indicates that by the end of the time that the team works together, there is usually very little friendship or understanding, far less respect of each other than when the term began, much contentiousness, often anger, blaming, and even sometimes resorting to juvenile "name calling." I have come to believe that it is due, in part to frustration, and largely to the fact that most people in leadership positions are either unqualified, or untrained to be in that situation.

When there are situations where there are volunteer leaders and paid staff, it us usually even worse. Some leaders have a higher opinion of the staff than others, some try to befriend instead of being their "boss," and some merely do not understand how to effectively deal with and train staff, in order to achieve optimum performance.

It should be no surprise that there is so much "burnout" amongst volunteer leaders, because the positions generally require a larger than anticipated amount of time, effort, and commitment. These people should try to relax, and simply be proud of the fact that they've done their best, and you can't have expectations of other people based on what you do.

Concerns Need To Be Addressed On A Timely Basis

Organizations and their ineffective leaders are often their own worst enemies. In more than three decades of consulting, I have observed repeated occurrences when effective leaders would have taken decisive action to address a concern before it became a larger issue, but that untrained, unskilled and ineffective leaders refrained from responding, using excuses like, "I don't want to blow this out of proportion," or "It's just a misunderstanding." As bad as those excuses are in terms of competent leadership and management, it is even worse when someone in a leadership position states that they will find out what's going on, often using cliched expressions like, "I'll get to the bottom of it," and then neglect the issue entirely.

Effective leadership is a hands-on exercise. If someone does not want "to get their hands dirty," they probably should avoid leadership roles. Procrastinating on taking action when there is a first indication of a potential issue, generally results in the issue becoming more and more difficult to resolve.

One of the first warning signals of potential issues is when their is consistent tardiness, in terms of getting promised items completed. If deadlines are constantly missed, errors are constantly made, etc., that usually indicates that something is going wrong. While there will always be some errors made, when that becomes the norm, there should be an indication that their is a potential wider issue.

If I received even a small amount of money for every excuse I have heard both volunteer leaders as well as paid staff use in the past three decades, I would never have to work again. Those that often do not take heed of issues, or say that they "don't want to rock the boat," or that they will "wait and see, and let it work out" often come back later, with a bit of revisionist history, stating that they were against something or wary of it for a long time. Individuals who do not act on concerns are not part of the solution, but rather perpetuate an issue into turning into a problem.

Having assisted numerous organizations in interviewing, qualifying, and recommending paid staff, as well as having served as both a Director of Operations as well as a Development Director for a few not-for-profit organizations, I can certainly state with certainty that most staff members are ill-prepared for their positions, and that most volunteer leaders do not even fully understand what their needs are. Because of this, when staff under-performs, it takes many of these volunteer leaders far too long to properly handle the situation.

There are many sports stories about coaches that considered players late if they did not get to team meetings at least fifteen minutes before it was scheduled for. Without timeliness, issues develop, and are far more difficult to resolve because by the time they are acted on, it is quite late.

Avoiding Difficult Decisions Doesn't Make Them Go Away

One of the fatal flaw of ineffective leaders is that they often adopt the attitude of, "It will all work out," and "I don't want to get involved." However, organizational models, real history and common sense indicate that is often not the case. While there are always petty matters that do not require a leader's attention or efforts, there are more pressing matters that a real leader needs to address directly, often without delay or procrastination.

While it is almost never a good idea to act hastily, or over-react without thinking the matter through, it is almost always far worse to do nothing or procrastinate. Leaders who procrastinate are not leaders at all. In my three decades of consulting to businesses and organizations on numerous issues including leadership and management, I have never witnessed when procrastinating proved to be the best course in the long run. Unfortunate, far too many so-called leaders procrastinate because they are either unwilling, unable or too "afraid" to take decisive action, or fear a loss of popularity. True leadership requires ignoring one's own popularity, and replacing it rather with doing the right thing.

Situations, dangers, obstacles and perils do not simply disappear because you do nothing. In fact, what generally happens when a leader procrastinates, is that the situation is exacerbated. It becomes far more complex and difficult to overcome because of the "law of unintended circumstances," meaning that what might have been a rather simple challenge to overcome originally, if acted upon immediately, ends up developing into a far worse situation.

One of the biggest errors made is not paying sufficient attention to small to medium sized expenses, thinking that they were "insignificant" costs in the large picture. As someone who has prepared budgets for decades, financial success or failure often occurs because of the bundling of these small expenses. If a real leader examined it, he would say that fiscal responsibility is called for, regardless of the expense, and all expenses need to be examined in terms of cost/ benefit. Most ineffective leaders avoid the issue, and then unintended circumstances occur because of the procrastination.

Leaders must never avoid making decisions, regardless of the degree of difficulty. They should examine issues thoroughly, understand them fully, and then proceed in a timely manner to take action. Of course, an ineffective leader can always claim, "It's not my job."

It's Not Paranoia If There's A Reason To Be Concerned

Have you ever had a conversation with someone in which you expressed certain concerns that you considered valid, and the other person dismissed your concerns immediately by responding, "Oh, you're just being paranoid"? As disconcerting as that may be when it concerns personal issues, in organizational matters, leaders must always vigilantly protect their organizations.

In over three decades of consulting to organizations, I remember very few instances where a leader's over-vigilance caused any long-term problems, but unfortunately, have observed far too many times that individuals in leadership positions under-estimate the seriousness of a situation.

Because the fiscal officers of most small to medium- sized organization do not generally undergo detailed fiscal and financial training, they often neglect details that might prove essential to any organization. For example, I find it amazing at how many organizations permit employees to universally sign checks of any denomination. Similarly, it astounds me that organizations do not require dual- signature checks for denominations exceeding a certain amount.

Another error I have observed often is when organizations keep too much money in one particular account, or keep all the checkbooks in the office, overseen exclusively by paid staff Far too organizations do surprise periodic reviews of the books as a "fail-safe" against potential fraud, error, or in the worse cased scenario, embezzlement.

Incompetent volunteer leaders incorrectly employ rhetoric like, "I don't want to micro-manage," or "It's not my management style," etc. However, as politically correct and cliche chic that saying that appears, it really amounts to a serious management flaw, with potentially damaging effects.

It is not paranoia if someone is really after you, nor is it being paranoid when there are serious reasons to be concerned. For decades, I have preached that until professional leadership training is the norm, and taken seriously, many organizations will face unnecessary challenges and take risks that are not warranted. Volunteers leaders must realize that it is their fiduciary responsibility to reduce risk to their organizations!