Leaders LISTEN Before They Talk

Although, for most, their favorite sound, is the sound of their own voice, in order to become a real leader, one must commit to consistently, effectively LISTEN, before they talk! This is often, quite a bit more difficult, and/ or, challenging, than it might seem and appear, because it is contrary to much, of our day - to - day, human nature. This important behavior requires proceeding, with a high degree of commitment, and discipline, and the understanding, no one, knows - it - all, or has all the answers. How can anyone, fully understand, the perceptions, and priorities, of those one serves, unless/ until, he proceeds, accordingly? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, examine, consider, and review, using the mnemonic approach, some of what makes this, such an essential, core component of meaningful, effective leadership.

1. Learn; leadership; lessons: One only listens, effectively, when the objective is, truly learning, from every experience, and conversation, and try to make a quality difference, for the better! This is a core component of real leadership, and when one learns, relevant lessons, he begins to become a better leader!

2. Ideas; ideology; integrity; imagination: True leaders introduce ideas, which inspire and motivate constituents, and align with the ideology, of the organization! This must be combined with absolute integrity, and the imagination, to go beyond, the ordinary, and/ or, same - old, same - old!

3. Serves; system; sustainable solutions: Every leader must understand, who he serves, and proceed, accordingly. He must conceive and perceive of, create, and implement, the best system, focused on creating sustainable solutions!

4. Timely: If the focus is on the past, you aren't leading! Great leaders avoid backward - thinking, same - old,. same - old, ways, as well as realizing, they must avoid procrastination, and be ready, willing and able to make well - considered, timely actions, based on quality, and relevance!

5. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence: In order to proceed, with the utmost excellence, he must place his emphasis, on proceeding, with genuine empathy, and a desire to energize others, toward the common good!

6. Needs: Effective leaders emphasize needs, of the organization, and constituents, they serve, and represent!

Are you fit to be a leader? Will you LISTEN, before you talk?

Why Are You Fit To LEAD?

You believe strongly in the heritage, mission, beliefs, and vision/ purpose, of a particular organization, so much so, you want to serve in a leadership position. While groups need individuals, who are ready, willing, and able, to serve, and do so, with the utmost commitment, it's important to first, introspectively, and objectively, examine your reasons for wanting to do so, and whether, you are fit to LEAD! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly, examine, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it's such a key, core component, and principle, of becoming a true leader.

1. Listen; learn; leadership: No one, no matter how committed, trained, qualified, and otherwise, ready to serve as a leader, has all the answers, and must never believe he does! True leadership begins with the ability and willingness to focus more on effectively listening, to others, in order to discover their perceptions, and priorities, and learn, from every conversation, and experience. Once this is one's attitude, and practice, he becomes more qualified, for meaningful leadership!

2. Empathy; emphasis; energy; excellence; endurance: When one focuses, as above, he becomes capable of consistently proceeding with the utmost degree of genuine empathy! He, then, places his emphasis, and most of his energy, on proceeding with a dedication, to his utmost degree of personal excellence! When this is combined, with focus, and endurance, he becomes more fit, to lead, and make a difference, for the better!

3. Attitude; attention; aptitude; articulate; agreement: True leaders possess a genuine, positive, can - do, attitude, combined with a willingness to pay keen attention, to what, the strengths and weaknesses, of the group, might be! Combining that with a well - developed, quality aptitude, and a willingness, readiness, and ability to clearly articulate a motivating, inspiring message, his focus becomes on creating agreement, for the common good!

4. Delve deeply; deliver; dedication; deserve: Those, fit to lead, delve deeply into options and alternatives, and deliver, their best possible commitment, and service! This requires true dedication, and only, then, will the individual, deserve, and earn, the respect of others!

Will you be fit to LEAD, and make a difference, for the better? Are you, up to the task?

Why Public Leaders Must Earn Our RESPECT?

Far too often, we observe individuals, who are public officials, who appear, to believe, they deserve respect and admiration, solely because of the position, they hold. However, we live in a democracy and republic, not a totalitarian nation, and, thus, our elected officials, should, and must, earn our RESPECT, not by their empty promises, rhetoric, vitriol, etc, but, rather by their actions, and intentions (both actual, and perceived). With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, why this matters, and what it means, using the mnemonic approach.

1. Relevant; responsive; responsible; realistic: We seem to be living in a somewhat, surreal time, when our President, seems to believe, he is, either above the law, or doesn't need to serve and represent all the people! Many, including me, refer to this, as "Trump World," because it often, seems, Donald Trump, pays little heed, to telling the truth, if it doesn't support his personal/ political agenda, and/ or self - interest. Calling the media, Fake News, and the Enemy of the People, appears to be counter, to the basic, American principle, of Freedom of the Press. His Make America Great Again, seems to focus on the past, rather than pursuing, relevant, responsive, responsible, realistic, and/ or sustainable solutions, and he focuses, on his core supporters, rather than the common good!

2. Empathy; emphasis: Even his greatest supporters, would probably not proclaim, President Trump, possesses, or proceeds with genuine empathy! To earn the respect of most, one should focus on the common good, and needs, rather than placing his emphasis, solely on the perceptions of his core!

3. System; service; sustainable solutions: How can anyone earn respect, unless he clearly articulates, a well - considered, system, and focuses on service, to nation, and all its citizens? There can be no place, for band - aid approaches, but, we need, leaders who consider, and introduce, the finest, sustainable solutions!

4. Priorities; planning: Closely examine, a leader's priorities, and focus! Does he, merely use empty rhetoric, and make promises, or does he commit to the utmost level, of quality planning?

5. Efforts; energize: How one focuses his efforts, goes a long way, towards whether it energizes the nation, in a positive manner?

6. Character; creative: We need public leaders, who exhibit the finest character, focused on service, and the public good! Rather than merely looking at the same - old, same - old, we need individuals, who proceed, in a creative, fully considered, focused way!

7. Timely: There is no place for procrastination, but a public official, must seek to provide, well - considered, timely ideas, strategies, and action plans!

Don't go back, to the past, but demand, officials, focus on relevant, sustainable ideas, and solutions! Wake up, America, and demand, those seeking office, go beyond empty promises, but seek quality solutions!

Why Real Leaders Make Others Feel They BELONG?

A positive, can - do, attitude, and a well - developed, skill - set, and relevant aptitude, are certainly, necessities, of effectively leading. However, these alone, will often, be less, than sufficient, unless/ until, a leader focuses on those he serves, inspires, and motivates, them, proceeds with genuine empathy, and consistently, does all he can, to clearly show his constituents (each and every one), how, and why, they BELONG. A reality of organizations, is, for them, to proceed to exist, in a relevant, sustainable manner, is, consistent, persistent growth, which is only possible, when existing constituents, are inspired to getting further involved and committed, and potential ones, are convinced, belonging to this group, is worthwhile, and beneficial! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, review, and consider, using the mnemonic approach, why this matters.

1. Benefits; beliefs; believable; bring it: A leader must articulate, clearly, the benefits of belonging to the specific organization, rather than merely some of the history, heritage, etc. How do the beliefs of the potential constituent, match - up, with the core principles, of the group? Is the leader believable, because, unless, others, believe in him, they will generally, pay little attention? A true leader realizes, he must bring it (his best), every day, in every way!

2. Efforts; empathy; emphasis; energize: How will others perceive your efforts? Will you proceed, with the utmost degree of genuine empathy, so as to emphasize, what means the most, do them, and, thus, energize them, and the group, as a whole?

3. Listen; learn; leadership: To most of us, the sound, of our own voice, seems to be our favorite sound! However, effective leadership comes from the discipline, to listen far more than speaking, and do so effectively, in order to constantly, and consistently, learn, from every conversation and experience!

4. Options; opportunities; organized: Only when one considers various, viable options and alternatives, with an open - mind, will he positioned, to recognize, and take advantage of the finest opportunities, to benefit the group! It requires being organized, enough, to effectively, and efficiently, make a difference, for the better, in a well - considered, timely manner!

5. Needs: Nothing one does, will inspire and motivate others, until/ unless, it focuses on the actual, as well as perceived, needs, of the stakeholders, and organization!

6. Generate goodwill; growth: Groups either, consistently undergo, relevant growth, or they will fail to be sustainable! It's essential to proceed, at all times, in a way, which generates goodwill, by clearly focusing on the best interests, and common good, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

True leaders show others, they BELONG! Are you the right person, to be a leader?

The KEYS To Effective Leadership

Wouldn't it make finding quality leaders, far easier, if there were certain basic ways, to identify, qualify, and relevantly train them, in order to ensure, we elected, selected, etc, the best people, to serve, in specific positions of leadership? After more than 4 decades of involvement, in nearly every relevant component of doing so, I believe, although, there is no, one - way, of doing so, in a quality manner, there are certain KEYS to producing and implementing the most effective leadership. With that in mind, this article will attempt to review, consider, and briefly discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of these important principles, etc.

1. Knowledge; keeps: Obviously, leading effectively requires certain relevant knowledge! However, until/ unless one not only accumulates this, but proceeds forward, effectively, and in a timely, well - considered manner, to create and implement the best strategic plan, in order to introduce, and implement the finest possible, action plan, he still is not leading! This means, one must be capable of differentiating between irrelevant information, and what he needs to keep, maintain, and pay attention to!

2. Empathy; emphasis; energize; excellence; endurance: One must commit to consistently listening effectively, and learning from every conversation and experience, in order to proceed with the utmost degree of genuine empathy. This will/ should lead him, to knowing, where to place his emphasis, so it energizes his organization, and stakeholders. It requires a commitment to demanding the utmost degree of personal excellence, rather than settling for good - enough, while proceeding forward, with the necessary degree of endurance, to persist, when others give up!

3. You; your: Will you be ready, willing, and able, to assume, and accept personal responsibility, and make this your pledge? In other words, quality leaders recognize, and realize, It's up to you!

4. Service; system; sustainable solutions: Genuine leaders understand, leading requires a consistent commitment, and priority, to the utmost degree of service, to his group, and stakeholders! It requires proceeding with a well - considered, system, and avoiding band - aid approaches, in order to consider, create, and implement relevant, sustainable solutions.

Effective leadership requires training, commitment, a positive attitude, and a high degree of persistence! Are you ready for these responsibilities? 

Are You A REAL Leader?

How does one become a REAL leader, rather than merely, another, of the rest - of - the - pack? Why does this matter, and how does it impact, the group, one represents, and the stakeholders, he serves? While there are many factors, and some, must be somewhat, customized, based on the individual, there are certain necessities, in order to be elevated, into this rare, lofty position, etc! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of these characteristics, and necessities, of being capable, of making a true difference, for the better, rather than merely holding some position of leadership.

1. Rational; realistic; reasoning; relevant: While lofty goals, and pursing as many viable options and alternatives, is important, nothing positive can occur, unless a leader, exhibits the utmost degree of rational thought, and development. He must be realistic, while pursuing options and alternatives, and seeking better! One's reasoning must be relevant, or why would others become willing to listen, and buy - into his ideas, plans, and potential solutions?

2. Empathy; excellence; emphasis; endurance; evolving: Either groups are consistently, evolving, or they will fail, to be sustainable! However, no one has all the answers, or even all the questions, and therefore, it's important to emphasize effective listening, over talking, and commit to learning from every conversation and experience. One's goal must be the utmost degree and possibility of his personal excellence, rather than settling for good - enough! This must direct his emphasis, and focus, and he must exhibit a significant degree of endurance, in order to possess the necessary persistence, to implement meaningful changes!

3. Attitude; attention; aptitude; articulate: Real leaders possess a genuine, positive, can - do, attitude, and are willing to pay keen attention, to both, relevant needs, and sustainable ramifications, etc! When they also commit to developing the quality aptitude, and relevant skill - set, and articulate an inspiring, motivating message, which connects with their stakeholders (actual and potential), they become positioned, to be real leaders!

4. Listen; learn; leadership: Perhaps, more than any other single asset, a real leader must be an effective and willing listener, and commit to constantly, learn, and become the best, he can be! When he exhibits true leadership skills, based on the best interests of the organization, and constituents, he proceeds, with the potential to become a real leader!

Do you have, what it takes, to be a REAL leader? Do you have the combination of attitude, aptitude, and persistence, to be, different from, the rest - of - the - pack?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Examine Elected Officials ACTIONS - Not Promises/ Rhetoric

All too often, voters have elected politicians, based on their promises, and rhetoric, and other, rather meaningless (in the bigger - picture) issues, rather than focusing on whether, they demonstrate a willingness, to create a well - considered, action plan, and strategy, to get things done, which might make a relevant, sustainable difference, for the better! It's not about what someone says, which should make a difference, but, rather, what he seeks to achieve, his motivations (is it about the politician's personal/ political agenda, and/ or self - interest), and whether he has the experience, knowledge, judgment, and other necessities, to lead effectively. We must look at the overall quality and relevance of one's ACTIONS, rather than promises, and rhetoric! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, some of the elements and necessities of leading, for all the people.

1. Attention; attitude; aptitude; articulate: Shouldn't a public official's focus, and attention, be on serving all the people? In November, 2016, the United States elected Donald Trump, to become the 45th President of this nation. Does his attitude, which seems to be focused, on his core supporters, and excluding many others, seem to be, in the best interests of the people? Unlike his predecessors, Mr. Trump, had no previous public service, and, many of his backers, seemed to pay little attention, on whether he had the aptitude, judgment, experience, and expertise, to proceed, wisely, and in a relevant, sustainable way. This President, certainly articulates his message (although, often in a conflicting way), but is that message, focused on the common good?

2. Creative; cooperative; character: Rather than seeking to Make America Great Again, wouldn't we all, be better served, if there was creative leadership, focused on the best way to make America, maintain its focus and emphasis, into the future? We need leaders, who focus on the cooperative approach, rather than a polarizing one! We should expect elected officials, to exhibit the quality character, to focus on what's best, for those he serves, rather than any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

3. Timely: Rather than fixating on the past, because everything looks better, in black - and - white, we should elect individuals, willing to fully consider options and alternatives, and, consistently, produce timely action!

4. Intentions; imagination; integrity; ideas; ideology: When voting, consider a candidate's intentions, and whether he possesses, both a well - developed, relevant imagination, as well as absolute integrity, based on the ideology, framed by our Constitution, of this nation!

5. Open - minded; options; opportunities: Avoid electing people, with the, My way or the highway, mindsets, and are ready, willing and able, to proceed, with an open - mind, and a willingness to consider the options and alternatives, and be prepared to take advantage of the finest opportunities!

6. Needs: Whose needs, does the particular leader, prioritize - his own, or those he serves and represents? Opt for someone, who puts the needs of the nation, ahead of any personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self - interest!

7. Service; system; sustainable solutions: The priority of anyone elected, should be, quality service, to both, his constituents (all of them), as well as his nation! He must perceive and conceive of, create, develop, and implement, the best system, to achieve, relevant, sustainable solutions! 

Wake up. America, and assume your personal responsibility, for voting, and doing so, wisely! Don't blame others, but proceed, with judgment, rather than apathy!

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?