Exemplars

I've been greatly blessed to have worked with several superb leaders.  (I've also worked for some good ones, some mediocre ones, and some dastardly ones - but this post is about the exemplars.)

What made those leaders exemplars of the art of moving others?  Here are some of the commonalities:

• They chose to have real, meaningful, caring relationships with me.  They knew me, were willing to spend time with me, and invested themselves in my growth.
• They asked a lot of good questions (and VERY rarely played the directive trump card).
• They envisioned a big, better, bountiful future, and gave me lots of autonomy in the dispatch of my duties in moving us toward that future.
• They noticed EVERYTHING and relentlessly took opportunity to recognize and express appreciation for things done well and right.
• They were deferential to a fault, consistently directing praise toward others (and absorbing more than their own share of the blame when things went awry).
• They exuded positivity, even on the darkest of days.
• They seemed always to be looking for ways to serve others.

What a blessing to have worked for, labored with, learned from, and grown with those powerful exemplars of leadership.