A to Z of leadership

Leadership is the most important need in our society and organizations alike. In my opinion everyone should define what leadership means to them and it is for the individual to decide if they are successful in meeting that definition or not. I would suggest identify the leaders who have impacted you and find out how they led their teams. In my opinion leadership is ability to be stay inspired and inspire others to action. Leaders help others perform even when they don’t feel like doing it. My leadership philosophy consists of 3 elements it is about having a vision, ability to inspire others and leading by example.

I believe the recipe of leadership can be baked with the following ingredients. Here is my A - Z of Leadership.

A for Attitude

Attitude is the first requirement to be a great leader. A leader’s attitude is contagious and spreads like wild fire across the organization. Jack Welch has a 4E formula which is having high energy, ability to energize, execute and having the edge. A leader needs to be personally energetic first and then they have to be able to energize others. All this boils down to the attitude of the leader. Especially in times like these when it demands resilience of the first order we need to work on our attitude to bring our best every day.

A compelling example of a leader with a strong attitude is Michael Jordan. He possessed an unwavering belief in his ability to succeed, even when his team was down. This attitude was infectious, inspiring his teammates to push through adversity and ultimately win six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan's relentless drive and competitive spirit were a direct result of his personal attitude, and he was able to transfer that energy to his teammates, leading to their collective success.

B for Boldness

Be bold with a touch of audacity. One of the examples of this is Steve Jobs decision to go ahead with the Apple Stores concept. In fact one of the comments from Business Week at that time was “Sorry Steve, Here’s Why Apple Stores Won’t Work.” Despite all this Steve Jobs had the audacity to proceed with his vision and see ultimate success. This is truly boldness in action.

Jeff Bezos's vision for Amazon is a prime example of boldness. When Amazon was still primarily an online bookseller, Bezos made the audacious decision to expand into virtually every retail category. Critics scoffed at the idea of Amazon becoming a "everything store" and questioned the financial viability of such a massive expansion. However, Bezos was bold enough to follow his vision, and today Amazon is a global powerhouse, demonstrating how a leader's willingness to take a chance can lead to extraordinary success.

C for Character

Ultimately your success as a leader boils down to the confidence people have in your abilities and their trust in you as a leader. All failure in leadership boils down to lack of trust. The first step towards great character is absolutely honesty in all your dealings with everyone in the organization. As it has been often said leadership is not a popularity contest and a strong character allows the leader to be taking tough decisions when the situation demands it.

A leader renowned for his character in the world of sports is Joe Torre, the former manager of the New York Yankees. During his tenure, he was respected by his players and the media for his integrity, honesty, and calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations. When faced with controversy or difficult decisions, Torre's actions were always guided by a strong sense of character, earning him the trust and respect of his team, which was instrumental in leading them to four World Series championships.

D for Determination

As Napoleon Hill said “There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.” True success happens only when we have a burning desire and determination of something we want to achieve. The key is the desire has to be your own and not something someone else wants for you. There will be setbacks when you have a strong vision but if you have determination you can follow through to success.

An example of a leader with unyielding determination is Oprah Winfrey. Born into poverty and facing numerous hardships early in life, Winfrey showed an incredible determination to overcome her circumstances and build her own media empire. She faced rejections and professional setbacks, but her burning desire to create meaningful content and connect with her audience never wavered. Her determination propelled her from a local news anchor to one of the most influential media moguls in history.

E for Enthusiasm

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Your success will directly be a result of the enthusiasm you have for your vision and the actions you take to achieve that vision. There is no charisma without enthusiasm. As documented in Inc. Magazine back in the 1981 cover story “When Steve Jobs speaks it is with “gee-whiz” enthusiasm of someone who sees the future and is making sure it works.”

An excellent example of enthusiasm in leadership is Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines. Kelleher's enthusiasm for his company and its unique culture was legendary. He was known for his infectious energy, quick wit, and willingness to do anything to support his employees, even dressing up as Elvis or joining baggage handlers on the tarmac. His enthusiasm permeated the entire organization, creating a positive work environment and a strong brand identity that helped Southwest succeed in a highly competitive industry.

F for Foresight

The ability to see into the future is something only the leader can do. The ability to anticipate crisis situations and take necessary preventive action is one of the hall marks of a true leader. As Jim Collins and Morten Hansen say in Great By Choice “Keep asking the question how much time before the risk profile changes.”

A historical example of a leader with remarkable foresight is Winston Churchill. In the years leading up to World War II, Churchill consistently warned about the threats posed and the need for Britain to rearm and prepare for conflict. His warnings were largely ignored by the government at the time, but his foresight proved to be correct, and his leadership was critical in guiding Britain through its darkest hour. He saw the risk profile changing long before others, a hallmark of a great leader.

G for Gratitude

If you want to enjoy your success then you need to be grateful with what you have. Staying grateful helps you have joy which is one of the keys to a successful life. Writing down everything that we are grateful for is a great starting point towards all the happiness we desire. When you are peaceful with who you are you can lead your team with greater focus.

A leader who exemplified gratitude is Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos. Hsieh often spoke about the importance of being grateful for his company's success and the contributions of his employees. He built a company culture that prioritized happiness and gratitude, believing that a positive and grateful workforce would lead to better customer service and overall business success. Hsieh's focus on gratitude and employee well-being made Zappos a standout in the e-commerce world. It is sad because he is no longer with us but still a worthy leader to learn from.

H for Hope

I like this quote from Tom Bodett “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” Only when we have a compelling future vision can we be truly successful. Having hope is a great antidote to fear and worry. Of course hope alone is not enough but when married with hard work it can be dynamite. As Napoleon said “A leader is a dealer in hope.”

A leader who truly dealt in hope was Martin Luther King Jr. In the face of immense adversity and systemic oppression, his "I Have a Dream" speech did not focus on the struggles of the present, but rather on the hopeful vision of a future where all people would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. King's ability to instill a sense of hope in his followers, despite the dangers they faced, was a critical factor in the success of the Civil Rights Movement.

I for Inspiring

In my opinion a leader’s first responsibility is to be inspired and the second is the ability to inspire others. If you are able to inspire others their work will also be first class. Inspiration is oxygen to the soul. The reason there is disengagement in the work place is lack of inspiration. Once you inspire others to action work that seems insurmountable gets done.

An inspiring leader in the world of sports is Pat Summitt, the legendary head coach of the University of Tennessee women's basketball team. She inspired her players to not only win eight national championships but also to become successful individuals on and off the court. Her famous motto, "Left foot, right foot, breathe," was a simple yet powerful way to inspire her team to take things one step at a time and not be overwhelmed by pressure. Her ability to motivate and inspire her athletes to achieve greatness is a testament to her leadership.

J for Journey

Life is not a destination; it is a journey to be enjoyed all the way. It is how we bounce back from seeming setbacks that truly measure our heart for exceptional leadership. The journey is an adventure and an example of this is the life of Steve Jobs. He got fired from the company he founded and still managed to make a great comeback. It just shows to anything can happen but we have to be committed to the journey of life. Leadership requires a certain toughness that cannot be taught but it can be learned.

A powerful example of a leader committed to the journey is Elon Musk. The journey of SpaceX has been full of challenges and setbacks, including multiple rocket failures. However, Musk's commitment to his vision of making humanity a multi-planetary species has never wavered. He and his team have learned from each failure, viewing them as stepping stones on the journey to ultimate success, which has now included numerous successful launches and re-usable rockets. This resilience and dedication to the long-term journey are critical to his leadership.

K for Kindness

Be kind to everyone you meet. Everyone has enough problems on their plate and your kindness could be the best experience they have had for that day. Kindness improves our mood and also those around us. “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.” Kevin Heath. Leadership is all about getting the most out of your people. A kind leader is a blessing for the people whom they lead.

An excellent example of kindness in leadership is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. She was known for her kindness and empathy, particularly in her practice of writing letters to the parents of her senior executives, thanking them for raising a great leader. This simple act of kindness showed that she cared about her employees as individuals and recognized the support systems that helped them succeed. Her kindness helped foster a culture of respect and loyalty within the company.

L for Lead by Example

All of leadership ultimately boils down to the leadership philosophy of the leader. If you want your team to be energetic you need to be energetic. Leadership begins with the leader being absolutely leading with the way by setting an amazing example of honesty, courage, integrity and competency. Leading by example will ensure you have followers irrespective of your position.

A leader who embodied leading by example is Abraham Lincoln. During the Civil War, he faced immense pressure and criticism, but he never wavered from his core principles. He was known for his honesty and integrity, and he consistently put the needs of the country before his own. Lincoln’s willingness to make difficult decisions and his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union set a powerful example for the entire nation, earning him the respect and admiration of both his allies and his opponents.

M for Management

I don’t know why there has been such a separation of management and leadership. Of course everyone wants to be known as a leader and we have never heard anyone called a world manager. However I don’t think you can go far as a leader without any management skills. Management is the ability to carry out the vision set by the leader and execute flawlessly getting the most out of everyone in the team. It is imperative that as a leader you develop your management skills if you want to be known as someone who gets things done. Here is my article on 9 ways to be a great manager 9 Ways to become a Great Manager.

A leader who demonstrated exceptional management skills was Dwight D. Eisenhower. As the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower not only provided a grand vision for victory but also meticulously managed the complex logistics and diverse personalities of the Allied forces. His ability to coordinate and execute the D-Day invasion, one of the most complex military operations in history, is a testament to his masterful management of resources, people, and strategy.

N for Noticeable

For you to be successful you have to be noticeable in your organization. You need to sell yourself with your talents and make people notice you. As Steve Martin said “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” Unless you show others what you are capable of nobody is going to know. I think we should learn to sell ourselves not in an abrupt manner but a classy manner. This requires practice but this will pay off in spades. A leader needs to be visible and unless they are noticeable there is no way they can get people to do things which they normally would not have done without their intervention.

A powerful example of a leader who was noticeable for their talent and skill is Serena Williams. Her dominance on the tennis court was so profound that she became a global icon, not just in sports but in business and culture. Williams was always noticeable for her athleticism, determination, and competitive fire, which led her to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles, more than any other female player in the Open Era. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level made her impossible to ignore.

O for Optimism

The key to leadership lies in the optimism of the leader. It’s not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens to us that matters. For example Steve Jobs believed in his products even when he was the only one with the vision. He was not even sure if it will be accepted in the market but he showed undying optimism to see success till the end. Even in his professional nadir he showed enduring optimism and show what one can achieve with optimism and belief.

A great example of an optimistic leader is Nelson Mandela. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged with an unwavering optimism that a peaceful and democratic South Africa could be achieved. Instead of seeking revenge, he chose a path of reconciliation, working with his former oppressors to build a new nation. His enduring optimism in the face of immense suffering and injustice was a powerful force that inspired a nation to overcome its past and build a better future.

P for Peace of mind

Ultimately you will enjoy your success only if you have peace of mind. Without it no amount of outside success will be satisfying. You can attain peace of mind when you are grateful for what you have and don’t have a need to constantly compare with others. Set your own sails and go forward confidently in the direction of your dreams. Don’t allow critics to rob your peace of mind. Only when a leader is totally peaceful inside they can lead their teams to market success. If you are having internal issues you cannot lead your team effectively. Don’t do anything that will rob your peace of mind.

A leader who exemplified peace of mind is Phil Jackson, the legendary basketball coach who led the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers to 11 NBA championships. Jackson was known for his calm, Zen-like demeanor, even in the most intense moments of a game. He encouraged his players to practice mindfulness and meditation, believing that a calm mind was essential for peak performance. Jackson's inner peace allowed him to make clear, strategic decisions and guide his teams to victory, showing that a peaceful leader can bring great success.

Q for Quality

Vince Lombardi put it beautifully when he said “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Go for quality in every area of your focus and you will be successful as a leader. Once the leader sets the example everyone in the team will follow as well.

An example of a leader who was obsessed with quality is Steve Jobs. He insisted on the highest standards of design and engineering for all Apple products, often going against the advice of his team to create something that was both beautiful and functional. For example, he demanded that the internal components of the Macintosh be arranged neatly, even though no one would ever see them. His unwavering commitment to quality set a high bar for his team and helped transform Apple into a leader in technology and design.

R for Restlessness

Jim Collins says that deep restlessness is the key quality of a leader. For example Winston Churchill and Steve Jobs both were deeply restless. You have to be slightly discontent with the status quo to really bring change to whichever team or organization you lead.

A leader who embodied restlessness is Bill Gates. Even after building Microsoft into a global software giant, he remained restless, constantly looking for new challenges and ways to make a greater impact. His restlessness led him to transition from the world of business to philanthropy, where he co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This organization, driven by a deep discontent with global health and poverty issues, has become a force for change, demonstrating how a restless spirit can lead to new and meaningful pursuits.

S for Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the cornerstone of a healthy leader. It is important to be comfortable in your own skin. Self-esteem is defined as your reputation with yourself. You are unique and have talents that can help you succeed. The key to self-esteem is to write down the qualities you admire in yourself. Maybe you have passion or discipline, and by acknowledging your positive traits you can enhance your self-esteem. When setbacks occur while you may feel bad it doesn't reduce your self-esteem. Write down all your successes till now and keep track of your accomplishments. This surely enhances self-esteem. When you have high self-esteem you generally feel more positive about life and do better at work. “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale

A leader with a strong sense of self-esteem is Serena Williams. In a highly competitive sport, she had to believe in her own abilities to achieve what she did. She often spoke about having a strong self-belief and using setbacks as motivation rather than reasons for self-doubt. Her high self-esteem allowed her to bounce back from injuries and losses, culminating in a legendary career that includes 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a reputation as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

T for Temperament

One of the best examples of a leader with good temperament is Rahul Dravid. He treats both victory and defeat with the same attitude. This requires enormous fortitude and you cannot imagine a well-rounded leader who is always fretting and fuming. As Jim Collins mentioned in his seminal work "Good to Great" Level 5 leaders all displayed humility while having a ferocious resolve. The best example of that is Darwin Smith who said "I never stopped being qualified for the job."

An excellent example of a leader with a calm and stable temperament is Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple. Following the death of Steve Jobs, Cook had to navigate immense pressure and the enormous legacy of his predecessor. Rather than adopting an erratic or overly emotional style, Cook maintained a calm and methodical approach, focusing on operational excellence and supply chain management. His steady temperament allowed Apple to continue its remarkable success and growth, proving that a composed leader can be just as effective as a fiery one.

U for Unique

You are unique and there is no one else like you in this world. This uniqueness enables you to provide services that enable you to stand out and show case your talent. Keep developing your talents and understand where your strengths lie. If you understand your uniqueness and go forward in developing the required skills success will follow. At the same time since leadership is a contact sport you need to really appreciate the uniqueness of everyone in your team.

A leader who understood and leveraged the uniqueness of his team members was John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach of UCLA. Wooden's coaching philosophy was built on the idea that each player had a unique role to play in the team's success. He didn't try to make every player into a star, but instead focused on developing each individual's unique talents to create a cohesive and unbeatable team. This approach led to an unprecedented 10 NCAA national championships in 12 years, a testament to his ability to harness the power of individual uniqueness for collective success.

V for Victory

Victory is what everyone wants in business and personal life. You have to take a no prisoners attitude towards your vision and go for broke. There are no guarantees that the vision will be achieved but taking calculated risks in the direction of your ultimate goal will ensure your ultimate victory.

A historical example of a leader who relentlessly pursued victory is Joan of Arc. At a time when France was losing the Hundred Years' War, she took a "no prisoners" attitude towards her vision of seeing the French Dauphin crowned king. Despite being a teenage peasant girl with no military training, she inspired the French army and led them to a series of crucial victories, ultimately helping to turn the tide of the war. Her unwavering focus on victory and willingness to take risks were instrumental in achieving her ultimate goal.

W for Well-being

Ultimately your well-being is very important to your overall success as a leader. Unless you are healthy you cannot lead your team with energy. Take care of your health by exercising, eating right and most importantly getting adequate sleep. Only when you take care of yourself physically and mentally you can enjoy the fruits of your leadership.

A leader who has prioritized well-being is Arianna Huffington. After collapsing from exhaustion, she became a vocal advocate for the importance of sleep and well-being in achieving success. She has spoken out about the dangers of burnout and the need for leaders to prioritize their physical and mental health. Huffington has incorporated well-being into her own life and into her company culture, demonstrating that a leader's well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity for long-term success.

X for Extreme focus

Leadership requires extreme focus on one unwavering aim and committing all your energy to ensure everyone is focused on that particular area. This quote from Orison Swett Marden addresses this “The giants of the race have been men of concentration, who have struck sledge-hammer blows in one place until they have accomplished their purpose. The successful men of today are men of one overmastering idea, one unwavering aim, and men of single and intense purpose.”

An example of a leader with extreme focus is Bill Gates during the early days of Microsoft. He was known for his intense and unwavering focus on software development. Gates was so dedicated to the goal of putting a computer on every desk that he would work tirelessly, often for days on end, to ensure the quality and success of his products. This extreme focus, coupled with his ferocious work ethic, allowed him to build Microsoft into the dominant force in the software industry.

Y for Youthful

Being youthful is a state of mind. As a lot of people say age is just a number. Don’t allow your age to restrict yourself from dreaming big for your organization and going after what you want your leadership to stand for. Examples of people still achieving at older ages are all around us. Two of them whom I admire a lot are Warren Buffet and Henry Kissinger who is still writing books at the age of 92. This quote from General Douglas MacArthur hits the message home "Youth is not entirely a time of life; it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals.. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair."

A leader who maintained a youthful mindset is Henry Ford. In his later years, he continued to be a visionary, even when he faced criticism for his unconventional ideas. Despite his age, he remained curious, innovative, and open to new ways of thinking, which was a hallmark of his youthful spirit. His unwavering belief in his vision for mass-produced automobiles and his willingness to constantly innovate, even as he aged, solidified his place as a pioneer of the automotive industry.

Z for Zest

Finally you need to have an undying zest for your vision. If you love your life and live it to the fullest you will inspire others to follow your example. Here is the final quote from Normal Vincent Peale “The really happy people are those who have broken the chains of procrastination, those who find satisfaction in doing the job at hand. They're full of eagerness, zest, and productivity. You can be, too.”

A leader who showed an undying zest for life and his work is Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. Branson is known for his adventurous spirit and his contagious enthusiasm for everything he does, from starting new businesses to setting world records. He has always approached his work with a sense of fun and adventure, inspiring his employees and customers to share in his zest for life. This passion and energy have been instrumental in building a diverse and successful business empire.

To conclude all of us can define what leadership means to us. Leadership is of paramount importance and even if robots take over a lot of our jobs we can be rest assured that great leaders will always be needed to take us to new frontiers, creating new jobs and enabling humans to bring their best to the work they do.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.