Training Today: Mapping Out Leadership

Leaders know where they are headed, even if there are no guideposts, says Dr. Marlene Caroselli, author of e-book “Jesus, Jonas, & Janus: The Leadership Triumvirate.” “They have faith that their image of a better future can and will be realized. Leaders are confident in their ability to get things done.”

Getting things done implies a shift from the “good enough” to the “improved”—and that means leaders must have a vision, Dr. Caroselli notes. To help you formulate plans for executing your vision, you need a road map. The following five letters constitute just such a map, according to Dr. Caroselli:

A Anticipate: Consider who is likely to object to your vision; consider what their objections will be. Then verbally arm yourself to overcome those objections.

B Benefitize: List as many benefits as you can, for as many individuals/groups as you can. How will the organization itself benefit if your vision becomes reality?

C Categorize: Think of all those who will be affected if your plan is implemented. How will you communicate with them?

D Develop: Outline the plan, including the milestone dates that must be met.

E Extend: Think positively. Assume your plan has been successfully implemented, if only as a pilot project. How could it be extended? For a longer period? To other groups?

In addition, Dr. Caroselli says, Peter Drucker tells us leaders know how to ask questions...the right questions. Here are a few to consider:

1. What strategic alliances could you/will you form?
2. How do you define “leadership”?
3. Why are others willing to follow you?
4. Former CEO and author Max DePree asserts the last responsibility of a leader is to say thank you. How do you do this beyond using the two simple words?
5. Author Robert Kelley says that instead of more effective leaders, what we need are more effective followers. Would you agree? Why or why not?