Comments on: Job Description for a Thriving Leader

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:00:17 +0000

Bret, Deirdre, Tom, Wally, Art, Richard: How blessed am I to have your wisdom added to this post! Wonderful, insightful additions. I don’t know what more to say, except thank you.

By: Richard Bravman

Richard Bravman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Great post Mary Jo, thank you. My addition: Find ways to convince your team that they can be part of creating something absolutely GREAT. More than compensation or individual recognition can achieve, the opportunity to be part of a winning team that does great things together, in my experience, creates a dynamic of self-fulfilling success. Younger people feel it instinctively, veterans know just how rare an opportunity it is. Great leaders create this environment.

By: Art Petty

Art Petty — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:08:15 +0000

Mary Jo, a great post! Building on Bret’s point, I spent an entire chapter in Practical Lessons in Leadership describing, The Power of Paying Attention. This concept is more than the trite words of “paying attention,” but truly working to understand the people that work for you…to pay attention to their PTLs…(projects to live) etc. Paying attention to and getting to learn and appreciate people as unique individuals is one of the highest forms of respect that a leader can pay to his/her team members. -Art

By: Wally Bock

Wally Bock — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:39:22 +0000

I love the post, Mary Jo, as I did Dan’s. I think each person will have their own list, slightly different from your list or anyone else’s.

I would add something about reveling in your work. You need to find the joy in what you do and then embrace it daily.

By: Tom Glover

Tom Glover — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:43:26 +0000

I love this creative way to describe what a thriving leader should be!

Under primary objectives, I think I would add something about removing obstacles so that others (followers) can thrive.

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:00:03 +0000

In the followers department, I look for leaders who don’t just think of staff as subordinates; rather true leaders see the value and contributions of all and share the success. I see too many leaders who think that they have made it happen all on their own.

Very nice.

By: Bret Simmons

Bret Simmons — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:52:37 +0000

Love it, MJ! But my number one would be:

Must know those you have been given the privilege to lead and truly care about what they value.

Something like that..

Thanks! Bret