Do you know what makes an effective leader?
Before we talk about leadership development, let me ask you a simple question. What makes an effective leader? If you’re like most people, the answer on the surface seems pretty plain and simple. Ordinary, even. You may open your mouth to speak, then suddenly the answer isn’t as clear cut. People define leaders as those indivuals who know how to ‘lead’. Yes, I know, and it’s true.
But what makes someone a good leader? Is it their ability to see the bigger picture? Is it their ability to guide and mentor others, to show them the way to that bigger picture even when they can’t or don’t have all the pieces in place? Is it a person’s ability to stand up in the face of controversy and adversity and be confident in their approach, even when things seem to be going wrong?
Is a good leader someone who knows when and how to compromise? Perhaps a good leader is someone who knows all of the above and has the character to stand up for others when they don’t have the ability to do so for themselves. Speaking of George Washington, he is considered one of the greatest leaders of our nation and one of the great leaders in history, and while most people think about life and times, especially during the Revolutionary War, they think about success. Yet George Washington endured nearly total failure for most of his campaigns during the war.
Washington faced an English army that was far larger, more well-trained, and better equipped than his makeshift militia and they suffered defeat after defeat. Driven from New York to upstate, and then forced down into New Jersey, Washington kept retreating. He dealt with sedition and unruly and undisciplined troops, winter weather in which most of his soldiers didn’t even have shoes and when things looked to be their worst, he kept looking at the goal, not what had happened.
Washington dealt with deserters and even had a few shot to send a message to the rest of the troops and even when Philadelphia (then the capital of the United States) had no money to pay the troops, Washington kept them focused on the goal which was to defeat the unbeatable English army.
Washington’s life as a leader wasn’t about all the successes but how he handled the defeats and trying times. A leader is someone who can see beyond the shortcomings and keep those people around him or her focused on the ultimate goal, and the ultimate victory.
Leadership development, then, is about teaching people these essential skills. It is far too easy and simple to hang your head when things don’t go right, but effective leaders don’t feel sorry for themselves and they don’t let those around them feel sorry for themselves, either. They evaluate what didn’t work and try to figure out how to make it work next time. Or they decide that a different tact or direction is required in order to achieve all their success that they want.
Leadership development for anyone
It doesn’t matter if you’re twenty, thirty, fifty, or seventy years old, leadership development can work for you. Dr. Fleming has been working with clients from all walks of life, from entertainment moguls to sports figures to politicians and executives for many years helping them learn the invaluable leadership development skills to become successful at everything they do. His expertise has molded some of the best leaders in industry today and he can do the same for you.
Dr. Fleming’s solution:
Dr. Fleming has long been working on studying leadership and what makes solid, effective leaders for most of his professional career and, through his efforts, has unlocked a number of incredible keys to overcoming any number of challenges. His customized one-on-one approach has helped thousands of clients from around the world improve their lives, overcome addictions, and become better people.
Dr. Fleming’s vast experience includes:
