Character and Traits in Leadership

Building Excellence

• Leaders build excellence by being of good character and doing what is right for the organization.
• Excellence is not achieved through planning but through leaders of strong character.
• Leaders' actions should reflect a commitment to ethical behavior.

Development of Character

• Character develops over time and is reflected in behavior.
• Strong character includes traits like drive, energy, determination, and self-discipline.
• A strong character can be good or bad; organizations need leaders with strong and good characteristics.

Trust and Vision in Leadership

• Trust is essential for effective leadership.
• Organizations seek leaders who are ethical and have a strong vision for the future.
• Trust is built through a leader’s character, which includes beliefs, values, skills, and traits.

Traits of a Good Leader

• Honesty: Display sincerity and integrity.
• Competent: Base actions on reason and moral principles.
• Forward-looking: Set goals and have a vision.
• Inspiring: Show confidence and endurance.
• Intelligent: Seek knowledge and challenging assignments.
• Fair-minded: Show empathy and justice.
• Broad-minded: Embrace diversity.
• Courageous: Persevere despite obstacles.
• Straightforward: Use sound judgment.
• Imaginative: Be innovative and creative.

Attributes of Leaders

• Standard-Bearers: Set the ethical climate and culture.
• Developers: Teach and coach others, creating a learning environment.
• Integrators: Orchestrate activities and provide vision.

U.S. Army Eleven Leadership Principles

• Be tactically and technically proficient.
• Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
• Know your soldiers and take care of their welfare.
• Keep your team informed and set the example.
• Train as a team and make sound decisions.
• Develop subordinates’ responsibilities.

Structure, Consideration, and Followers

• Leaders' behavior is perceived in terms of consideration and structure.
• Consideration involves fostering relationships, while structure focuses on task accomplishment.

Nature vs. Nurture in Character Development

• The influence of genes and environment (nurture) on character.
• New experiences can cause growth of new neurons, illustrating nature and nurture interaction.

Deceptions in Leadership

• True leadership is evidenced in actions and service, not self-serving behavior.
• Leadership takes a multifaceted path and is not always straightforward.

Conclusion

• Leadership decisions shape organizational and national character.
• Effective leadership is a complex, multifaceted undertaking.