11 Key Qualities Of Leadership

Are you facing any uncertainty? The space of a lack of clarity can be hard to manage: Once the decision has landed, it's easy! 1: Identify the Endgame, 2: Map out the Milestones and 3: Chart the course of action. 4: Get on with Getting on. Mix in a measure of flexibility, consistency and persistence and results are inevitable. Well, that's my experience, anyway. The sticky bit is wandering the maze of indecision, weighing up opportunities, exploring options from every angle, teasing out the dead ends from the possible pathways. It can seem endless... as if there's no way out. All the while time moves on.

Try applying Napoleon Hill's major attributes to self leadership. In my toolkit for navigating the labyrinth of not-knowing-yet the 11 Major Attributes of Leadership (Hill, N. 1938) propelled me into a place of positive purpose and core decisions have now been taken (whew! what a relief...) The 11 Key Qualities of Leadership provide the enduring backbone for self mastery and to inspire others. Hill sure knew a thing or two. I've added the pieces to apply to self leadership.

1. Unwavering Courage
Part of what was holding me back from making the decision I knew needed to be made, was hiding out, holding fear before gratitude. It is not possible to do what one is on this planet to do, to make a great difference to others - playing small and hiding out. No matter how wonderfully warm the weather and how beautiful the surroundings. When leading self and others - have unwavering courage in who you are, what you know and what you do!

2. Self-Control
Today I did not head out to Noosa and walk in the National Reserve as I felt drawn to do. It's Monday. Here I am consistently writing this blog and doing what it takes to complete, generate value, create income - and back up the decision I made over the weekend. Napoleon Hill observed "The man who cannot control himself, can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one's followers, which the more intelligent will emulate."

3. A Keen Sense of Justice
It takes a real sense of fairness to command respect. In terms of self leadership, ask "What is right for me? What is ecological in terms of my life? What is a win-win-win for me and All?"

4. Definiteness of Decision
Even if it is taking a decision to "Wait until there is sufficient clarity before acting" take a decision. Or take a decision to find more information. Or to rest more, to be in a better position to take a decision. Take a decision. Decision taking creates the necessary environment for certainty to be nurtured. People will not be guided by an uncertain leader.

5. Definiteness of Plans
Plan your work and work your plan. This is the way out of the maze and up the mountain to peak performance.

6. The Habit of Doing More than Paid
Exceed your own expectations for giving to value yourself and to others! Do so much more than is expected. Be the shining example through your own generosity of spirit.

7. A Pleasing Personality
Leadership calls for self respect and self care. I would add intentionality, mindfulness and grace to be all you can be.

8. Sympathy & Understanding
First understand yourself and your issues, and have sympathy and ownership for the complete package of YOU. This creates the authentic capacity to have sympathy and understanding for others.

9 Mastery of Detail
Pay attention, with intention to every aspect of self leadership. You're "on" all the time: collecting the kids from school, doing the shopping (or delegating it!), reading, researching, spending time with loved ones, working ... "on" is all the time as a leader. I have an "on" anchor to remind me to play full out. Your time is now.

10. Willingness to Assume full Responsibility
Napoleon Hill refers to a leader taking full responsibility the mistakes of followers. In terms of self leadership, there is the necessary accountability and ownership for what is mine. This is simply being at cause: taking full responsibility with sheer honesty for self.

11. Co-operation
Co-operative effort is vital - and the capacity to inspire co-operation in others. How are you co-operating with yourself to serve your greatest good? Is a saboteur jumping in there and scuppering your co-operative self? The following affirmation works for me "I co-operate as a whole, integrating fully and flexibly, to serve my highest purpose for the greater good"

This is a time of stepping up and taking destiny shaping decisions. Under Chinese astrology I'm a Snake - and we take our time making decisions, and are notorious for not taking advice. This can be frustrating for others while we mull and muse and chew over the cud many times! (sacred cow slipped in there). That familiar excited tingle in the pit of my stomach is present - a mixture of excitement tinged with fear. I recognize and embrace this indicator. Time to shed another skin.