York Shackleton

The farm in eastern Ontario dairy in which I grew up was large oaks. I have fond memories of collecting oak autumn leaves of red and orange-brown or fallen acorns for science projects during my school years. It always amazed me that such a plant mass could grow from a small acorn when planted in clean soil.

However, the key to imposing stature of the oak is what lies under the ground out of sight-root system. And the oak root system is just as impressive as its visible features.

For example, the backbone of the California Oak Valley may reach 60 feet deep, to search for groundwater. Some of its roots extend more than twice the drip line. extensive root system of oak anchors it against storm conditions and allows it to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Its roots are the source from which flows the size of the tree visible.

Great leaders produce deep roots

What are the roots to the great oak, six special features are great leaders. Like the roots, they may be visible to the eye, but they are the true source of shares outstanding leader. If these roots are not invisible leadership driven into the ground with his life, the results are visible leadership is at best a delay of growth and, at worst patients. Great leaders develop deep roots!

Integrity

Ultimately, you are not a leader if nobody follows. In other words, exceptional leadership demands a climate of trust where people give you their full commitment. And nothing destroys trust faster than the perception of hypocrisy and duplicity. Thus,
importance of integrity.

Integrity means that the internal and external aspects of the shape of a person's life a unified whole. This is what you project in public is essentially matched in private. Your values actually govern your behavior. That your word is your bond.

Integrity is cultivated and maintained by repeated decisions up to its values and commitments. It is often difficult. Frequently inconvenient. And we are doing and will make mistakes. But over time, people need to see that we are fundamentally trustworthy.

N = no confidence integrity. No trust = no disciples.

Vision

Great leaders are captives. They are seduced by a clear sense of purpose and they join the others around this goal. Vision means having a clear picture of a meaningful future that you are committed and passionate about creating.

In the words of Jack Welch, GE's CEO noted, "the responsibility endless leader should be to remove all detours, all obstacles to ensure that the vision is first clear and real."

To do this, leaders must feel the deepest part of the vision. Great leaders have a deeply ingrained sense of vision. exceptional leaders are not so much have a great vision because they are possessed by a great vision.

Concern

Great leaders have a deeply rooted concern for those they lead. Effective leaders care about the success of others. They care about the welfare of their dependents. They do not use people merely as a means to an end. They really want others to develop their full potential.

Concerns have both a soft side and hard. Sometimes it takes a soft touch, bringing hope and renewed commitment of followers discouraged. Sometimes it means asking others to be accountable for their actions so they are stretched and pushed to be at their best. What binds the two sides is a sincere desire to see others achieve their best while achieving the objectives of the organization.

People follow leaders whom they feel truly care about their well-being - to the ends of the earth. Ask Ernest Shackleton. After.