Absolutely. Jack Shepherd is a great leader.
If you are looking to be a strong leader for your business, team or project, take Jack Shepherd as an example. In my experience with several leaders (both good and bad) over the last 10 years, a strong leader often reveals his leadership skills in times of crisis: success builds character but adversity reveals it!
This is why I think Jack Shepherd is a good leader. In my experiene, this is what I think makes a good leader:
1. Decisiveness – the first thing a strong leader does is assesses the situation. Once all the facts, insights and observations are presented, a decision is made; a plan of action is taken with confidence and aggressiveness. By being decisive, you instill confidence in your team or company.
2. Adaptability – sometimes extraordinary things happen while executing the decision or plan but you have to adapt and adjust the plan accordingly. The plan is a road-map, a light-house that let’s you gauge where you are if you fall off course.
3. Leadership By Example – There is a fine-line between delegating and leading-by-example. In my experience, delegating is important because the leader often needs to focus on other things and leverage the strengths of others in the team. However, in this case I’m not talking about tactical things like executing strategies or projects but more of the behavioral things. If you’re a leader and “preaching” respect and teamwork but you are often a disrespectful and uncooperative, you can’t expect your team or company to follow.
4. Communication – So many times have I seen situations where people have no idea where there task fits in the overall plan. They are often unaware of the goals of the company, project or even task. People have a tremendous need to feel competent and valued. A strong leader needs to communicate the objectives and goals constantly. Outline the decisions made and get everyone involved to work towards a common goal. It’s called “consensus building”. By communicating, you build consensus and by building consensus, you are creating momentum to achieve a common goal.
5. Accountability – When things go wrong, someone needs to take responsibility and action to rectify the situation. It’s not for the purpose of reprimand but to not waste time to sort through the finger-pointing and just simply correct the problem-keep your eye on the prize. A good leader will recognize that there is more merit in taking accountability for a mistake and trying to fix it than hiding and pointing-fingers.
6. Compassion – A strong leader is aware of his surroundings and the impact of decisions, results and unforeseen situations. Relating to people and genuinely trying listening to their concerns or suggestions makes a strong connection. Connecting with your team memebers, helps you understand them and what motivates them.
7. Respect – Ultimately, #1-6 culminate to this point. If you can achieve respect from everyone you are associated with, you are strong leader. Respect goes far, very far. Once you’ve obtained the respect from your team, you can motivate and achieve any goal(s).
I would consider these 7-Immutable Laws to Leadership. Don’t think this just applies in the business world as well. I think these Laws apply in all aspects of life: sports, volunteering, community and socially.
It’s lonely at the top. Good leaders, great leaders, are hard to come by because the 7 Laws are difficult to attain. Work at at. If Jack Shepherd could do it on an island in the middle of No Where, Planet Earth with some strangers, I’m sure you can.
Be Real. Be a Leader.
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