To have worked with so many talented and committed individuals over my career. Recently someone whom I supervised and mentored, was named Executive Director of a nonprofit organization. She is the ninth of former direct reports to become an Executive Director or the top leader of a business. One of the nine also became an influential state legislator.
These Exceptional Nine are quite different from each other: male (22%) and female (78%); rural, suburban, and urban; extroverts and introverts; loud and quiet; funny and serious; spontaneous and cautious; progressive and conservative; religious and non-religious.
All of them worked with at least one of the others during their careers. Each has its own strengths and flaws. All were or became subject matter experts for their primary area of focus.
Despite their differences, they have several things in common that contribute to their success. In their honor, here are nine leadership traits that they all have in common.
- Vision- They have long-range goals and plans for the organization.
- Commitment to Mission- They are extremely committed to the mission of the organization and their personal values align with it.
- Servant Leaders- They understand that employees and volunteers are extremely important to success. They offer support to them, provide feedback and guidance, give them opportunities to grow, ensure they have what they need to perform well, seek their opinions, and honor their achievements.
- Ethical- They have high ethical standards that guide their personal and professional lives.
- Customer Service- They understand that the customer is the reason for the organization. They put the success of their customers first, knowing that the success of the organization is dependent upon how their customers do.
- Collaborative- They are collaborative with each other and with others inside and outside of the organization. They share expertise and reciprocate when others help them.
- Greater Good- They know that for the organization to succeed there will be times in which their individual or group goals may need to become secondary to those of another team member.
- Change- They understand that change is constant and that individuals and organizations need to evolve to remain vibrant.
- Community- They operate within a larger community and become active by sharing time, talent, and resources.
Many of us could learn from the Exceptional Nine. I still am and it has been my great pleasure to have worked with them.