The Characteristics of Outstanding Leadership

Great leaders face reality as it is, not as they want it to be."

- Jack Welch

The tragic and devastating events of 9/11 shook every American, every company, and every institution to the core. Uncertainty was everywhere. It put every leader to the test. The role of leaders was more crucial than at nearly any other time in our country's history.

Two examples of outstanding leadership were demonstrated by the late Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines' CEO, and Damon Gersh, the former CEO of Maxon's Restoration in Manhattan.

They were very different messages but the right ones for their companies.

Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines did not sugarcoat the situation. "No one is flying. We will be shut down for four days; we do not know what the future holds."

Damon's message to his team was that thousands of people would depend on them to help restore their lives, homes, offices, and infrastructure as quickly and professionally as possible.

"We will change our contracts to reflect time and material requirements, nothing complicated that will require lawyers and negotiations.

We have a shared sense of purpose. The task ahead will be challenging, but I have confidence that everyone will give their best.

We will reflect on how we handled this daunting challenge as a defining moment in our history.

We will do whatever it takes. Because we believe in our mission."

The characteristics of outstanding leadership include:

• Showing courage and resolve.
• Never showing panic. 
• Making team goals.
• Putting things in perspective.
• Being transparent - Telling it like it is.
• No finger-pointing. 
• Taking responsibility for what they have control over.
• Asking and inspiring the team to dig deep when facing challenges or opportunities.
• Creating a "We are all in this together" culture.
• Sharing the glory, and accepting the blame.
• Facing danger.
• Preparing and taking appropriate action.
• Changing their vision as soon as more information becomes available and adapting accordingly.
• Creating the future, not fixing the past.
• Building other leaders on their team.
• Exhibiting trust.
• Being the cheerleader.
• Leading by the example they set and what they tolerate.

Leaders affect everything from the company culture to the bottom line.

Outstanding leadership demands we not be victims of fear or denial.

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