(GC will implementing some of the Total-Quality Philosophy as outlined by David Goestch and Stanley Davis in the "Total-Quality Handbook," to help establish and improve on the leadership skills of our members. I will be publishing several articles such as this periodically here on the website and these ideas will also be discussed in detail at our weekly founders meeting.)

What is a good leader?

Good leaders share several common characteristics:

• Balanced commitment

• Postivie influence

• Good communication skills

• Positive role model

• Persuasiveness

Good leaders project a positive example at all times.  Leaders must be willing to do what they expect the members to do, do it better, do it right, and do so consistently.

Good leaders are good communicators.  They are willing, patient, skilled listeners.  They are also able to communicate their ideas clearly, succinctly, and in a nonthreatening manner.  They use their communication skills to establish and nurture rapport with members.

Good leaders have influence with members and use it in a positive manner.  Influence is the art of using power to move people to a certain point of view.  The power that leaders derives from the authority that goes with their rank and the credibility they establish by being good leaders.  Power is useless unless it is converted to influence.  Power that is properly, appropriately, and effectively applied becomes positive influence.

Finally. good leaders are persuasive.  Leaders who expect members to simply do what they are ordered to do will have limited success.  Those who are able to use their communication skills and influence to persuade people to their point of view and to help make a total, willing, and voluntary commitment to that point of view (GC) can have unlimited success.

Thats all for now - Hope you learned something here that you can use for your role in GC!  -

I know I did!