The Triple Threat

What does it take to lead?  I think, if you are to find real true success, you have to have the ability to lead.  Without leadership, their is no direction, and we simply wander about with random acts hoping that something comes together.  As a former scientist in the big boy world, its called chaos theory.  All of these interactions that happen with out a leader defining a path and creating the way would seam to have the ability to move forward in a somewhat predictable manner (failure) yet the ability to know what kind of failure may occur is challenging.

Fortunately, with the ability to create true leadership characteristics rather simply, we are never far from looking to someone for guidance.  What is the triple threat.  On the topic of leadership, we want to keep it simple (not easy) and we want to ensure that everyone has a fair shake at it.

Mark Sanborn, author of The Fred Factor, simply qualifies leadership ability as the Three C's; character, competency, and finally connection.

Character to me is the golden rule.  Due unto others as you would have done to yourself.  Character is so simple.  In my world, when the right thing is clearly defined, it is never difficult to proceed with integrity.

Competency is the one that typically takes a bit longer.  To learn a craft or a trade takes differing amounts of time.  Irregardless of the industry involvement, there will always be a learning curve.  I believe this is one where people can be challenged greatly on both cases.  For people who pick up skill sets quickly, they have the ability to lead based on their ability to teach and show others a new skill.  I run across this all of the time.  The other case is where it takes longer to develop the skill set.  I think in most cases, anyone can learn to do just about anything with a high level of competency.  Granted, it may take someone a week and another a year, but with consistency, it can be done.

The final ability of a leader is the ability to connect.  I have to tell you, this is where I struggle and focus a chunk of my time.  Connecting is essential.  In order to lead, you must have the ability to create a relationship based on trust.  The biggest aspect of connection is being truly interested in others.  Interest in others leads to a trusting relationship and thereby the ability to connect.

While character is the simplest of these attributes to attain, it can often be the biggest downfall.  While people work diligently to improve their competency levels and their relationships, one lapse in character can cause a foundational crack in a leaders position that can be near impossible to repair.  Sometimes the simplest attributes are also the easiest to screw up!