Cocktails with Carl

What Qualities Do You Look For in a Leader? (Hint; it’s Probably Not a Politician!)

Earlier this month, we completed another painful and divisive election process in the USA. Politics is a dirty game and I suppose we are all subjected to it whether we like it or not. So, after months and months of nauseating television ads, disingenuous talk show appearances and worthless debates, we headed to the polls to pull the lever for one candidate or another. Votes were counted and a winner was declared, but regardless of the outcome I’d venture to guess that most of us were left feeling...unfulfilled.

Here is my hot take. We are feeling this way because we are not electing leaders. Deep down in our gut we know it and it bothers us. As it should.

I used this last election as an opportunity to think more deeply about what qualities I most value in a leader. Elections seem to be a good time to do that. There’s a lot to evaluate and I didn’t want to rely on what a political pundit or newspaper suggested I do. I really wanted to vote for someone without holding my nose. Was it possible? Was there actually someone running that was worthy of my vote, and if yes, why?

So I started writing notes in my journal. Random thoughts about former bosses, coaches and teachers I’d admired. What was it about them that I liked and what words would I use to describe them? Then I went through the same exercise with those leaders I’d had who I thought did a poor job. What was missing for me?

I felt like I was finished when I continued to land on the following 6 leadership qualities that resonated the most with me:

Communication-This person must communicate confidently and positively. I don’t want to hear doom and gloom, panic, or inordinate amounts of sarcasm. However, a sense of humor and proper perspective, especially in difficult times or during a failure/bad news, provides necessary reassurance. Directness is key too. I generally don’t want to hear a leader drone on and on about something. Let’s get to the point. And most definitely no gossip. Figure out the facts/truth before communicating anything to me or the team..

Vision-I need a leader that can articulate a clear vision for the future, connecting the day to day work with the bigger picture. Where are we going and why and exactly how am I adding value to that effort? What kind of structure and investment do we need to support the vision? Without that vision it feels like I am just going through the motions.

Empathy-It’s imperative that this leader cares about me, both personally and professionally. Ask about my interests and goals. Get to know my family. Understand what my values are and how they drive me. Take me through a personal profile tool like Strengths Finder or Enneagram and work with me on individual improvement where necessary.

Accountability-Have you ever been led by someone that has a separate set of rules for themself vs everyone else? Aggravating, right? I desire a leader that holds themselves to a higher standard and owns all their decisions. This person cannot blame others and make excuses. No exceptions.

Trustworthy-This one is pretty simple and straightforward. All relationships are based on trust and once the trust is broken, the relationship heads south in a hurry. I’m looking for a leader that follows through on what they said they would do-even when it’s painful to do so. In some cases, they may need to make some personal sacrifices. Are they willing to do it?

Competence-I need a leader that demonstrates a command and knowledge for the job-in all facets. That means more than experience performing tasks and/or understanding products and processes, etc. It means understanding how to lead, motivate and inspire others on the team. I once played for a coach that was clearly in over his head. The whole team knew it and he garnered no respect. The players would tune out or try not to laugh when he was speaking. It was an embarrassment directly reflected in our poor performance.

Ultimately, leaders are supposed to make us feel confident and encouraged about the direction we are headed. Unique leaders will employ different styles in which to do so and those different styles will have varied results with certain people. With that in mind, what qualities are you looking for in a leader? If you don’t know, I would encourage you to think about them and write them down. Then, and most importantly, do you stay disciplined to your standards/values when given the option to choose by whom you will be led, be it in the form of a vote, new job opportunity, or joining a new team/group/club, etc.? When we have that luxury, we need to be prepared for the right answer.

Good Luck!

Cocktail Recipe: Sbagliato

This drink, translated to “mistake” in Italian, seems to be all the rage right now. And it seems perfect for the festive holiday season too!

4 ozs. Dry Prosecco

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

½ oz. Campari

Club Soda

Lime

Ice

Pour prosecco into a large wine or rocks glass filled with ice. Add the vermouth and Campari then top off with club soda and stir together. Garnish with a lime wheel.