Speed of the leader…

speed of the leader…

As I look at this picture(google image) I see the speed of the leader, the front-runner, the person who is setting the pace.  He has his eyes focused on the gaol which in this situation is the finish line.  There is nothing distracting him from his goal.    His pace is encouraging the others to run harder and keep up the pace. The leader has the clear vision. The front-runner, the leader of the pack in this picture has his head up, eyes focused, his pace seems natural.

Then my eye is drawn to those behind the leader.  What are they thinking?  What is their goal?  Their goal is to surpass the leader.    The runners who are behind the leader are focused on the leader.  Should the leader slow his pace or falter the runner who is as focused and committed as the leader will see his opportunity to rise to occasion and surpass the leader.  Therefore setting a new pace…but as always the speed of leader sets the pace for the speed of the team.

 Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Have you heard the phrase Speed of the leader speed of the team?  I have heard it many times.  So much so it is what I think of when I am organizing a team of volunteers.  I think of it when I am planning a new volunteer orientation or organizing a training meeting. 

An effective leader is someone who has the ability to get others to willingly follow them.  An effective leader has a clear vision and excitedly shares it with the team while continually keeping the team focused on the vision.  Communicating clearly and passionately as passion is contagious.  An effective leader is always doing something in pursuit of the vision, while inspiring others to do the same. 

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.
Ken Blanchard

An effective leader is dedicated and inspires dedication while leading by example.  An effective leader gives credit where it is due and takes responsibility for failures.  An effective leader is open to listening to new ideas even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking.  An effective leader thinks outside of the box.  An effective leader checks all of the facts and avoids jumping to conclusions based on incomplete evidence.   An effective leader has the ability to clearly state expectations so that there are no misunderstandings.  And an effective leader must have a sense of humor.  It is vital to relieve tension and boredom as well as defuse hostility.   

The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.
Ralph Nader

An effective leader sets the tone.  Leaders must never expect from others anything more than they’re willing to deliver themselves. 

Speed of the Leader, Speed of the Team. Don’t expect your team to Give or Fight or Sacrifice or Love or Forgive or Stay focused more than you are.