Leadership Qualities

How To Take A Leadership Time Out

By Brandon W. Jones on April 29, 2013 4

In leadership, there are times when life gets very busy and stress begins to build. It happen with a big project, a fast approaching deadline, or an external pressure weighing you down. During or after you get through this stressful period, it is important to take a leadership time out.

How to take a Leadership Time Out

Leadership time outs are very helpful for leaders. There are multiple ways you can take a leadership time out. So how can you take a leadership time out?

Extended Vacation

An extended vacation (4-5+ days away from your leadership responsibilities) can give you a long leadership time out. You can take an extended vacation by going on a big trip. You can also take a “stay-cation” by staying at home to spend time with family. It is very important, however, that during your extended vacation (or stay-cation) you get away from work. The goal of a leadership time out is that it will rejuvenate you and get you ready to go back to your leadership responsibilities. [Read more…] about How To Take A Leadership Time Out

Be The Confident Leader

By Brandon W. Jones on April 26, 2013 6

Several years ago, I had a confident leader that was very successful and very smart. He had done very well in business and was well respected. Because of his success he was wealthy and had every right to be arrogant, but he was not. He was what I call the confident leader. As a confident leader, he was very aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. He also knew what was in his control and what was not. There is a big difference between the confident leader and the arrogant leader.

The Arrogant Leader

The arrogant leader is the leader that tells you to do something and then the minute outside criticism occurs, it is suddenly your idea and you get the blame. Arrogant leaders don’t stand up for those they lead if there is even a chance it will make them look bad. They don’t understand that those people that they lead are their biggest asset. [Read more…] about Be The Confident Leader

Values Of Leadership Excellence

By Brandon W. Jones on April 25, 2013 1

Yesterday, I asked the question, “What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘Leadership Excellence’?” I then explained three characteristics of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence. In this post, I will talk about the values of leaders that have obtained leadership excellence. The way I am dividing characteristics from values is that characteristics are the actions you take, whereas, values are beliefs you have that lead you to act a specific way. In this post I will talk about three key leadership values of those that have obtained leadership excellence. Those three values are honesty, accountability, and integrity. Any leader that does not possess these three characteristics will never be a great leader.

Values of Leadership Excellence

Honesty

Honesty is extremely important for leaders to obtain leadership excellence. When leaders have obtained leadership excellence, they are 100% truthful no matter the cost. When leaders bend the truth, even the slightest bit, to make themselves look good they may be successful for a time, however, their dishonesty will eventually catch up with them. Honesty is very easy when it is regarding things of little importance, but when something is on the line honesty can be more challenging. [Read more…] about Values Of Leadership Excellence

Characteristics Of Leadership Excellence

By Brandon W. Jones on April 24, 2013 6

Does “leadership excellence” have a specific meaning to you? What do you think of when you hear the phrase “leadership excellence?” When I hear the phrase “leadership excellence,” I think of leaders that have obtained the highest level of leadership in whatever they are doing. These leaders have strong values and characteristics that add value to their organization.

Characteristics of Leadership Excellence

Three characteristics found in leaders with leadership excellence are vision, charisma, and innovation.

Vision

Leaders that have obtained leadership excellence have a vision. Their vision is a clear image of the future they see for themselves and those they lead. They have a strong set of both short and long-term goals and their vision inspires those around them.

So how do you become a leader with a vision? Start by setting goals. Be sure that those around you know your goals. Make goals that require you to stretch beyond your comfort zone using SMART goals. As others begin to know of your goals they will be inspired to set their own goals. By having your own vision of the future, you allow others to have a vision. [Read more…] about Characteristics Of Leadership Excellence

Developing Leadership Excellence

By Brandon W. Jones on April 23, 2013 3

Leadership excellence is a state of being that takes time to develop. Leadership excellence can, however, be developed more quickly when one understands the values and characteristics of great leaders. Great leaders have many great attributes.

Leadership Excellence in Action

Several years ago, I had a leader in Boy Scouts that taught me what it means to obtain leadership excellence. He worked as a physician’s assistant and was very busy at times, but he always made himself available to me and other boys in our scout troop. In his leadership he showed vision, charisma, innovation, honesty, accountability, integrity, compassion, honor, trust, boldness, confidence, work ethic, and many other great leadership traits. At each activity, he required that we live up to the standards that he lived by and those that were taught in boy scouts. Because I was young, this had a great impression on me. I learned a lot from him. He gave me confidence that it was possible to be the person that we were taught to be by how he embodied leadership excellence. [Read more…] about Developing Leadership Excellence

Become A Hero Through Leadership

By Brandon W. Jones on April 19, 2013 6

Do you remember who your childhood heroes were? What did you like about them? What qualities did they have that made you look up to them? What did the heroes do to gain your trust or support? In today’s world everyone wants to have and be a hero.

Some Of My Heroes

When I think of my heroes I think of people like my parents, grandparents, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ronald Reagan, past leaders and coaches, etc. Each of these people played an important role in shaping me into who I am today.

Each was a hero for a different reason. Those that were close to me like my parents, grandparents, leaders, and coaches played a more personal role in my development. On the other hand, those famous heroes played a much different role.

Be the Hero

My heroes were great examples to me in one way or another. In order to be a hero, you must have strong character. [Read more…] about Become A Hero Through Leadership