Being A Leader in the Real World Knights Leadership Series October 29, 2013 Shannon Jones

What is a Leader? Webster’s Definition: Person who has commanding authority or influence Dictators Prison Guards This simple definition can have positive or negative outcomes

Listens to gain knowledge Respects others’ opinions, even when they disagree- “Agree to disagree” Ability to START and FINISH Inspires people by they way they live Seeks out constant personal and professional development for themselves and others around them Always evaluates the possible outcomes of their decisions and actions Understands the vast spectrum of personalities amongst people and is open minded, accepting, and diverse “There are two things in life that are extremely important: Your attitude when you have everything and your patience when you have nothing” An Effective Leader:

Desirable Qualities in an Effective Leader CompassionPatienceIntegrityPerseverancePassion Morally, ethically stable Empathetic

We all have a CHOICE to become leaders 3 H’s: 3 H’s:HumilityHardworkingHonesty

Humility Self Correcting Admits when they do not know the answer or when they have made a mistake (Responsibility) AND Research and first to apologize (Accountability)

Hardworking Successful leaders have failed over, and over, and over, and over again Situational vs. Spatial Awareness No one can judge effort; Effort is between you and you Servant Leaders “Carries water for the workers” Bring out the best in your team by developing strengths and identifying weaknesses Victory and winning are a product of hard work and preparation

Honesty Be Authentic (Don’t compare your life to others) Be Unique Be Yourself Don’t be afraid to stand out, be different, go against the grain, hold yourself above the standard Trust and Respect = Meaningful Relationships

Meaningful Relationships Introduce Yourself Confidence vs. Arrogance Take interest in other people’s lives Celebrate others’ successes and accomplishments Loyalty, Trust worthy, appreciative, committed, sincere, responsible, caring, flexible, dependable

Effective Communication Purpose: Clear, Concise, straight to the point Roles and Responsibilities How to act and what to say Meaningful relationships will break down any barriers that may exist (Mutual Trust) Be as open as possible Be sure there is acknowledgement of receiving of information

Effective Communication A leader: Prepares and Debriefs Regular, consistent feedback Sandwich Criticism Positive-Negative-Positive Your Chili tastes amazing; I think with a little more cayenne pepper, it could be the best chili on this side of the Mississippi, but don’t change the texture of your chili because it is incredible

A Leader Envisions Success Vision: Believes they are going to win Arnold’s Six Guidelines to Success: 1) Trust Yourself- ask your self WHO do you want to be 2) Break the Rules- Social Norms/Expectations (If you’re an introvert, speak up, if you’re an extrovert, take a moment to listen) 3) Don’t be afraid to fail- I have failed over and over again and that is why I succeed, Take risks, Learn from your mistakes, grow EVERY SINGLE DAY 4) Don’t listen to the Naysayers- Never regret anything that made you smile 5) Work your butt off- Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard 6) Give something back- community service, appreciation, inspiration

What type of Leader are YOU? “Greatness is not this elusive, esoteric, unattainable quality that only the special among us can achieve; it exists within every single one of us”- Will Smith “G-d Must have loved ordinary people, because he created so many of us”-Jimmy V “Every Single Day, Ordinary people do extraordinary things”- Jimmy V Realist Optimist

What’s Your WHY? Why do you do what you do? WHERE do you draw your inspiration/motivation? What defines you? WHO do you belong to? WHAT do you believe in?