The 4 Super Powers Every Leader Should Have
Before you dismiss this piece as science fiction nonsense, I challenge you to read further and dispute my notions. Don’t worry, there won’t be any correlations between being a leader and having the ability to fly or shoot webs from your wrist. We’re talking real world stuff here. But don’t you have to be a hero to possess super powers? What makes someone a hero in today’s world?
“We need a hero… Courageous, self-sacrificing people, setting examples for all of us…the one who taught them how to hold on a second longer…I believe there’s a hero in all of us…that keeps us honest, gives us strength, and makes us noble” – May Parker (Spiderman 2)
I, too, believe that there’s a hero in all of us; but not everyone chooses to let it out. It’s the select few who put themselves out there, the few who aren’t afraid to fail, the few who captivate us that truly make a a difference. We, the leaders, are the heroes who move the world forward. Now that we agree you are a hero, or want to be one, it’s time to synergize these 4 essential super powers so we can raise our game to the next level.
- VISION – A successful leader is equipped to shoot lasers out of their eyes so they can disintegrate any obstacles that stand in their way. Oh wait, no, that’s top secret.. you’ll learn about that later. Vision is the innate ability to create something from nothing, to see what is hidden, and having courage to follow your feelings in the face of adversity. If you find yourself struggling in this area, it’s likely that you’re holding yourself back through limiting your own thoughts. Thoughts and ideas are the currency we have to attract what we want into our lives. It’s crucial to be forward thinking and consistently positive so the example is set from the top. For further guidance on harnessing your thoughts, please introduce yourself to Wayne Dyer.
- COMMUNICATION– It’s one thing to have vision but you’re doomed if you are unable to effectively convey the message to those influenced by you. Martin Luther King had a dream, and by God, he made people FEEL that dream. His passion for civil rights & economic reform were evident in every speech he made and his impact is still fell today. While few can equal his presence, us leaders can use him as an example of how to bring our A-Game when getting others on board with your mission. Let your audience feel or see your vision. An equally important aspect is clarity when issuing marching orders and setting goals. Crystal-clear communication is key to make sure everyone is on the same page. Gray areas are inevitable but don’t set a trap for yourself by being indecisive, vague, or ambiguous with your speech.
- HUSTLE – There’s plenty of people who can talk the talk, but being able to WALK THE WALK is what differentiates the “goods” from the “greats.” First things first, don’t preach about doing something that you’re not fully capable of doing (or have done) yourself. Secondly, hard work shouldn’t have to be considered a super power. But since there are so few that bust ass and give 110% to accomplish their goals, it is one. Look at Gary Vaynerchuk’s story and see what it takes to build a business. It’s not easy, to say the least. You’ll never see Gary ask his employees to do anything he’s not willing to do – and you shouldn’t easier. While delegation is important for efficiency, don’t forget to walk the walk once in awhile, those who look up to you will appreciate it.
- COMPASSION – and similarly, humility are critical to keep you grounded and allow you to put the big picture into perspective. Historically speaking, most self-serving/immoral/devious leaders have found themselves overthrown, assassinated, or just plain fired. This blog post can’t change your heart or motivation to lead, but hopefully it reminds you that leading isn’t about you. As the old adage goes, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. If you don’t have a genuine concern in placing other’s interest before your own, maybe leadership isn’t your gig. Far too often, when we taste success, we become consumed by it and lose focus of what got us there. While leaders are expected to hold others accountable for their actions, we should be held accountable for our own.
Now that I’ve challenged you to acknowledge that leaders are heroes and have super powers, please challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to be more than is expected of you, because right now, this world is lacking heroes. This whole expansion of social media is an opportunity for us to join forces and usher in the new era of leaders. The revolution has already started and I look forward to standing beside you. Will you help me fight the good fight? Which super powers not listed do you feel are equally important as these?
