Leading Better in 2012

One of the blogs that I look forward to reading 4 or 5 times each week is the Leading Blog which is written by Michael McKinney.  Michael is an excellent curator of  ideas and tips that inform and improve leadership. He is exceptional at reading many books each month about leadership from the standpoint of leading self, leading others, and leading in context.  I would really be lost without his good work.

You can follow Michael McKinney on Twitter:  @LeadershipNow

You can also join Michael's community of leaders here.

Here is today's post on Michael's Leading Blog.  I like his posts because they challenge me to turn each idea inward and reflect on my own potential and my own leadership journey.  This list is a definition of leadership broken down into component mindsets and competencies. Leadership is not one of these, but all of these.  How to keep all of these areas fluid and growing is an example of the type of understanding and learning challenge Michael lays out and supports with his posts.

For 2012, I recommend subscribing to, interacting with, and enjoying Leadership Now.


12 Reasons You Will be A Better Leaders This Year
from Michael McKinney's Leading Blog


1. Because you are generous with information. You know it enables and values others. 

2. Because you eschew the trappings of power. You respect your position too much to let yourself  become self-absorbed and disconnected from those you serve. 

3. Because you know leadership isn’t about how well you are appreciated, but it’s about endlessly showing your appreciation of others. Leadership isn’t about how you feel, but how you make others feel. 

4. Because you are honored to lead, you genuinely respect and care for the people you serve. 

5. Because you avoid the trivial and stay focused on your core values and the vision they enable. You will always pay attention to what matters most and you communicate it tirelessly and with clarity. 

6. Because you are driven to produce and are accountable for it and expect the same from others. 

7. Because you take time to reflect to keep yourself aligned and to continually evaluate your impact. 

8. Because you exercise. You know that regular exercise not only makes you feel better physically and it has a profound impact on your cognitive abilities and mental health. 

9. Because you are curious, you are committed to being a lifelong learner and building a learning culture within your team and organization. You won’t rely on what worked for you in the past. 

10. Because you are humble enough to know that you don’t have all the answers and it doesn’t have to be your way and it is in fact, unhealthy for you to insist on it. 

11. Because you are committed to building others greater than yourself. You are validated not by your own knowledge and accomplishments but by those you help succeed. You are passionate about and energized by the people you serve. 

12. Because you know that you are setting an example for others to follow. Everything you do matters. You know it’s not about you.