Are you a strong leader or weak leader

Use this checklist to determine if you're fulfilling your role as a leader.

..

Are You a Strong or a Weak Leader? by Phil Cooke

Are You a Strong or a Weak Leader?

By Phil Cooke Look over this short checklist to see how you measure up on the strength of your leadership.
A leader looks strongest when he or she:

1. Listens and values the opinions of his or her people.

2. Creates a transparent company with nothing to hide. A poor leader wants to control information. A great leader shares information.

3. Creates an environment where all employees are comfortable offering ideas and suggestions. Creative companies are collaborative companies. You never know, the next idea of the lowest paid intern might be the idea that saves the company.

4. Gives people the freedom to grow. Only secure leaders can empower others.

5. Understands that real leadership is influence. You aren’t a leader because you order people to follow you. You’re a real leader when they want to follow you.

6. Understands that “activity” is not necessarily “accomplishment.”

7. Gives up to go up. The higher he or she rises, the more he or she has to turn over to others.

8. Doesn’t have to constantly apologize to people, because he or she knows how to control his or her reactions and behavior to begin with. A leader is the face of the company. In his or her personal life he or she can afford to argue or get upset with others. But not in his or her business life. You never win by humiliating or defeating employees, vendors or other relationships.

9. Isn’t afraid to surround him or herself with people who are smarter, more gifted and more talented than he or she is.

A leader looks weakest when he or she:

1. Wants control of everything. It reeks of insecurity.

2. Doesn’t listen to his or her people. It creates resentment.

3. Puts employees in awkward or inappropriate situations.

4. Doesn’t allow his or her people to stretch, grow and try new ideas.

5. Is afraid of change.

6. Hires people on the basis of friendship or loyalty rather than expertise.

Phil Cooke is the founder and CEO of Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California (cookepictures.com) where he helps church, ministry, and nonprofit organizations engage the culture more effectively. He's a filmmaker, media consultant, and author of "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media." Learn more »
Browse all articles by Phil Cooke