The Dominant Quality In Leaders Of Distinction

The Dominant Quality In Leaders Of Distinction

MB Text 8-14-2015 (Leadership Qualities)It’s no secret that corporations look for prolific leaders to drive the corporate success van. This means putting the right person in the right role and surrounding that person with the right personnel. By doing so, corporate decision makers can increase the chances of producing a profit for its investors and show significant growth by the end of the year. So, what should their question be before starting their hunt for such a person(s)?

The primary question should not be, “Who is a difference maker?” Rather, it should be, “What qualities make one a difference maker?” Once this is established, the manhunt can begin since the search will narrow in on qualities rather than a person. Many mistakes have been made by people in search of the one person they believe can help change things for them or their team. Whether corporate or personal, judging and sizing up a person based on their present condition, or outward appearance, may prove to be impractical.

People who possess qualities which make them stand out aren’t as easily discernable. One reason, is they are not ambitious, nor do they have need of a title to define them. You may find a person who knows how to say the right words and is an over achiever, but lacks discipline and integrity. The person who is truly a difference maker is more interested in the quality of their work, than their work looking as though it has quality.

Let me explain what I consider to be an attribute. An attribute is a quality or characteristic of someone or something which gives credit for things such as a body of work, art, or a saying. An attribute can be considered a standard or conviction which causes a person to stand out. Imagine being in the company of difference makers who care about making a difference in society and in the lives of others.

What do you have when an entire team of people with difference maker qualities come together? What you have is a winning combination who can never be defeated. A difference maker is someone who is willing and able to fill all aspects of their role with confidence, who consistently delivers on objectives, and who follows or leads their team to peak performance. They understand their role is as essential as the next man’s. In many cases, a difference maker shakes things up, brings forth change, and demands results from themselves and their colleagues. They aren’t interested in being popular; they want success for the company or team even if it means not leading. With this attitude they will hit their targets and inspire their teams to do the same.

Difference makers are self-motivated. Difference makers are honest, they don’t cover up mistakes, and they are completely accountable for what works and what doesn’t work. They take full responsibility for their actions and results. You can’t tell if these people are difference makers by looking at them; their qualities are exposed by interacting with them. They are proactive, solution-oriented, and take-action people. Their values align with those of their organization or team, and these values drive day-to-day behaviors to pursue excellence.

How does a company, small business, or individual find a Difference Maker? Well, you can’t find them in the Yellow Pages. In the brawl for gifted able bodies, the challenges most organizations face are not limited to the simple unavailability of competent people. The hiring process is not set up to properly identify those who can truly make a difference. Focusing only on the skills and experience needed, the interviewer often pays too little attention to values, motivations, habits, work styles, behaviors, and cognitive abilities. Stop qualifying a person for where your company presently is, and start looking for those individuals who may not have all the skills, but who are willing to be molded into the person you need, not just want. Don’t look for the mate who completes you, look for the person who complements you.

Companies should design employment programs to become mentors to their employees instead of employers. Difference Makers are developed into their role not fit into it.

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