According to Courtney Lynch, a former U.S. Marine, “leadership does not come with a promotion or title.”  Lynch says a leader is someone who influences outcomes and inspires others.  She says leadership has everything to do with character and behavior and the only way to get that extra effort out of people is to earn their trust.  She says the best way to earn trust is to “be relentless about keeping your commitments.”  Lynch also says an important trail for being a great leader is to be brutally honest about your weaknesses and strengths and be transparent when you make mistakes.  A leader can oftentimes gain trust best, ironically, by showing vulnerability.  She emphasizes the need to make clear expectations and to genuinely listen to followers and to always provide timely feedback.

Source:  Steve Watkins, “Behave Like A leader,” Investors Business Daily, December 26, 2016, p. A4.