During his stance on center stage he took great strides and was recognized worldwide for his leadership abilities. Yet, like all leaders, he fell shy in some areas. He was definitely charismatic and had the vision and courage to set trends. Dr. Ronald Riggio, professor of leadership and organizational psychology at Claremont McKenna College, points out how Jobs was a tyrannical leader. In a Psychology Today article, Riggio cites “Jobs could be a tyrant…Jobs sends the wrong message to aspiring leaders. His success despite his bad behavior might encourage young people to forget about the critical role of a leader to develop followers, boost their confidence and sense of efficacy, and treat them with respect.”

If Jobs fell short, then how do leaders actually become role models? Certainly one way is to encourage leaders to develop this skill. This might include reinforcement of advocacy for others or acknowledgment of supporting the development of others. By doing this, leaders are encouraged to be a positive role model in their coaching, support, and nurturance for other leaders.

Also, leaders can encourage followers and protégés to maintain integrity through their example. By sticking to ethical standards, leaders can be a resource for aspiring leaders. This might mean taking time to show action taken, explain decisions made, and provide rationale about challenges overcome.

With a few simple measures, leaders can develop themselves as leaders and simultaneously become lifelong role models for aspiring leaders finding their way.

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

During a contentious National Basketball Association (NBA) playoff game, he chalked up his action to being caught up in the emotion of the slam dunk he had just made. Seriously! Sports leaders celebrate victories in so many ways ranging from “high fives” to chest-beating to gleeful exchanges with colleagues. Any leader should keep his or her wits and maintain composure because the world is watching.

Leaders should also hold fast to their reputation and name. My grandfather used to call it owning up to your “good name” consistently. Mr. World Peace fails repeatedly to earn respect of his ironic name. Unfortunately, he has a track record of flagrant fouls and violent outbursts that earned him more than 13 suspensions throughout his NBA career. The outrageous Malice at the Palace episode, for instance, shows him charging random fans.

Finally, leaders should own up to wrongdoing. Mr. World Peace did not act remorseful until confronted and then he made excuses. For his egregious violation last week, Mr. World Peace received a seven-game suspension. With this slap on the wrist and lenient sanction, it shows other NBA players and future sports leaders that they can clamor to the top and stay there. Nominal financial sanctions and temporary blacklisting will sideline a player for a misdeed. But, super athletes are paid millions for their leadership. How does a financial sanction or game-suspension really teach the lesson that needs to be learned? Yet I digress.

In a few months or by next season, there will be excuses about the behavior by Mr. World Peace. Why not toss him from the league completely? If he stays, does his presence really set an example for aspiring basketball players? Is this sanction all that happens? Does the lack of a more drastic penalty show that there is no moral barometer?

Until our leaders, organizations, and coaches take courageous steps as leaders in the sports industry then outrageous behavior will persist. Metta World Peace is just one of numerous sports figures out of control who need to step from the court, field, ice, ring, track, course, or floor to get help. Until that happens, we can all forget about real world peace.

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

In an era of instant everything and overnight success, many people assume that leadership comes just that easy too. Why would anyone want to take years to learn the tricks of the trade when they could find shortcuts? Would anyone really want to take makes significant financial and emotional investments over years of training programs or certification just to claim a leadership badge? I do not think so. So what can be done in the age where the “easy button” seems to rule?

Taking time to get leadership insights can be done in a shorter period of time and with greater ease through the support of mentors. Having someone else to guide a rising or new leader is the best way to get them up and running. Learning from those who have been there allows leaders to get the inside scoop about the best approach to take.

Also, leaders can get instant leadership skills by culling over the lessons of other leaders. Taking time to look at the historical context of successful leaders and the perils of the most toxic leaders allows learning to take place. This is a way to understand insights about the future and get to next step leadership faster.

Thank goodness for instant leadership strategies! With a few simple steps – adding water, stirring, and letting leadership development skills over time – there are already shortcut strategies available for leaders today.

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

It is not a new occurrence that leaders continue take on roles with self-indulgence at their core. While seasoned and expert leaders among us would presume there would be a different approach, there continues to be wayward thinking.

First this behavior appears as the self-ordained leader claims power and dominion over everything. It is almost a narcissistic tendency that appears to be on steroids. Almost everyone should bow down and cow-tow to this leader and outrageous demands. There is little thought for the “everyday Joe” must less the welfare of the masses.

Also, there appears to be disregard for servant leadership. Too many of these solo leaders appear to disregard the idea of serving others and being a resource. The unfortunate result is on self-service rather than follower focus.

What is still even more discouraging is the perpetual neglect for the welfare of others. While these “kings of the hill” and “queens of the land” declare themselves in charge they overlook their obligations to bring a followership. It is unfortunate that this era has become all about WIFM and “what’s in it for me!”

With greater precautions and warnings especially for new and rising leaders, then maybe a generation of leaders can be helped. It is too important for the future of servant leaders for us to tolerate selfish leadership another minute.

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

Some leaders are told to tout their accomplishments. Others are interested in showcasing their talents. But, is it more important for leaders to demonstrate leadership abilities by showing the world or by having the courage to do so consistently?

Often leaders are seen in their respective roles doing more and facing greater challenges. But, what gives them the inner fortitude to face another day full of challenges and possible strife? That would be courage.

Here are some of the most enduring examples of leaders among us who showcase courageous leadership regularly.

• A park attendant who makes sure that the foliage, park trails, and grounds are tidy.
• A gardener who brings flowers and plants to the fullness despite harsh weather or other unexpected challenges.
• A student who tries to learn a difficult subject even when it makes no sense.
• A teacher doing more than expected with little or no gratitude.
• A parent caring for a sick child.
• Librarians who are meticulous with their attention to detail with reading materials.
• Medical experts who labored in school to perfect a craft to treat and heal others.
• Musicians who take necessary steps to perfect their talent without expectation of accolades in return.
• Advisors and advocates who jump in and are ready to listen.
• Custodial service staff who attend to facilities, floors, and equipment.

These everyday leaders show inner resolve without showcasing their courage. Each one peacefully commits to doing their duties and has the wherewithal to return the next day. Now, that is leadership!

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success