__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

101 Reasons to Be a Passionate Leader: Why developing your leadership is

critical today!

The best leaders leave a legacy. The best leaders have made an impact. The best leaders had a

desire to make a difference. The opportunities to lead are open to everyone and many step up to

take on the responsibility of leadership. The path to being a great leader requires arduous work,

continuous learning, being responsible and taking risks. It means consistently delivering results.

So… is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The personal growth and reward of striving to be the

best leader you can be is a journey worth all you have to give. Here are 101 reasons to be a

Passionate Leader divided into four main sections: Learning Fundamentals, Delivering Results,

Leading Change and Giving Back.

LEARNING FUNDAMENTALS.

1. Acquire New Skills

You find yourself in a whole new world of a roller coaster ride of experiences learning and

honing leadership skills. To be effective you must understand where your level of skill is for

instilling trust, showing compassion, providing stability, creating hope, managing conflict,

listening, sharing feedback, managing up, delegating responsibility, thinking creatively,

facilitating team success, motivating others, cultivating individual talents and achieving results

to name just a few. No one does everything equally well so gaining clarity on where you stand is

valuable. Being a leader allows you to test these skills.

2. Think

Think – It’s the hardest labor of all. This is one of my favorite passages as written by Wallace D

Wattles, Financial Success: Harnessing the Power of Creative Thought:

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

“To think what you want to think is think truth, regardless of appearances. Every person has the

natural and inherent power to think what he wants to think but it requires far more effort to do

so than it does to think the thoughts which are suggested by appearances. To think according to

appearances is easy.

To think truth regardless of appearances is laborious and requires the expenditure of more

power than any other work a person has to perform.

There is no labor from which most people shrink as they do from that of sustained and

consecutive thought, it is the hardest work in the world.”

3. Ask Questions

You must ask questions. Ask questions to learn, ask questions to engage the imagination and

ask questions to listen. The types of questions you learn to ask as a leader are critical. The

questions you choose to ask will lead you to better results. You soon will learn the meaning of

“The answers are in the questions.”

4. Learn From Others

Observing how others lead and the outcomes of their actions can be powerful. Taking note of

what works and what does not work is essential to building your own leadership toolbox of tips,

techniques and resources. Learning from others requires knowing what to look for and paying

attention to the details.

5. Gain Awareness and Clarity

To be a powerful leader, you must become aware and recognize the impact of your leadership.

It takes observation and inquiry to understand where you are today. You must begin to identify

your strengths, what’s working, what’s not working and what’s missing. There is a simple and

yet very effective process that initiates the steps for uncovering your personal perceptions of

yourself and the perceptions others have of you and your leadership. Learn more about yourself,

confidence builds and you lead with greater ease.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

6. Set Goals and Achieve More

You must have a Leadership Plan. For all major projects at work, for all major goals at work,

companies create a plan. As a leader, the leader of your life, you need to create your own

leadership plan.

Having the Dreams defined, having the Vision clear, and knowing your Values is not enough.

Establishing the next step, identifying the Milestones and creating an overall project Plan are

the next step in aligning reality with the vision.

7. Uncover Natural Talents

“Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong…And yet, a

person can perform only from strength.” – Business guru Peter Drucker

Do you know what your natural talents are? How do you differentiate between your natural

talents, knowledge and skills? The path to being a passionate leader, the best leader, starts with

a deep understanding of the strengths you bring to the game.

8. Move Your Career Or Business Onto The Fast Track

Taking initiative is an important part of your career development and growth. Seeking out the

opportunities to lead the team, lead the project, lead the association are perfect situations to

learn leadership by actually leading. You need experience to lead well. Start now and ask your

current leader to delegate more to you. Being proactive and making things happen are traits of

the best leaders. You want to be ready for when the first leadership position presents itself and

for the next one and the next one after that!

9. Improve Your Relationships

Improving your relationships must be deliberate. This is necessary for you to become a leader

who develops others and is respected as someone who makes valuable contributions. Building

new relationships and improving your relationships must be done with care taking the time to

select the people and organizations you want to be associated with. You learn the importance of

building a broad and deep network of contacts who know you in a positive way.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

10. Obtain Higher Salaries

As written in an article by CNNmoney.com, the opportunity for higher wages as you move up

the management ladder to make more money that average worker continues to increase. “ If

you just consider the average compensation (wages plus benefits) of full-time year-round

workers in non-managerial jobs - roughly $40,000 - CEO pay is more like 270 times bigger than

the average Joe's. That's still a far cry from days gone by. In 1989, for instance, U.S. CEOs of

large companies earned 71 times more than the average worker, according to the Economic

Policy Institute.”In a document prepared by the House Financial Services committee, they had

more statistics… “In 1965, U.S. CEOs at major companies made 24 times a worker's pay-by

2004, CEOs earned 431 times the pay of an average worker. From 1995 to 2005, average CEO

pay increased five times faster than that of average workers. While CEO pay continues to

increase at rates far exceeding inflation, wages for the vast majority of American workers have

failed to keep up with rising prices.”

11. Know How To Get Along With Everyone

As you continue to master leadership, you will be able to put yourself in someone else’s situation

and show real empathy. The respect you show for others will be felt by anyone no matter what

their background and you will understand what to do to make people feel good about

themselves and what they do. They will look forward to spending time with you.

12. Generate and Keep Promises

Generate promises and understand the importance of keeping them. Be careful what you

promise – BE YOUR WORD. As a leader, you will recognize the importance of what you say.

13. Listen Intently

Listening is a leadership skill that must be developed to be an effective leader. My Leadership

Power Tips cover this skill and I have written articles on the topic: Listening – The Key to

Effective Communication. And even Tom Peters is becoming passionate as he rants in his video

on YouTube - Listen Intently and Strategically

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

14. Remain Upbeat

Remain upbeat in the face of adversity; as a leader people will be watching your reactions and

responses in times of trouble. How you handle yourself will have an impact on how those around

handle themselves. One of my favorite quotes is that of Martin Luther King Jr…

The ultimate measure of a man is not how he stands in a moment of comfort, but how he

stands in a moment of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

15. Take Action

As a leader you will set goals, prioritize activities, make decisions and act. John Maxwell in his

book, Developing The Leader in You states Decide what to do and do it; decide what not to do

and don’t do it. Taking action on your decisions; executing the plan and monitoring progress are

critical. A beautifully defined vision will not be achieved without action.

16. Respond Versus React

This takes awareness and practice… First you discover how to be aware of your behavior as

situations show up, i.e. What are you saying? What does your body language look like? How do

you feel? Then you learn to identify what your reactions are. What is your automatic way of

being as a reaction. Next you gain clarity on how to powerfully respond leaving yourself and

others feeling honored.

17. Apologize Authentically

You will make mistakes – saying the wrong thing, making a poor decision, missing a deadline,

etc. Taking responsibility for your actions, learning to acknowledge your involvement in a

situation and apologizing with authenticity demonstrates a leadership capacity that some may

never achieve.

18. Lead Yourself

Lead yourself in your life with more satisfaction, fulfillment and achievement than you ever

experienced. The power to be true to yourself is freeing.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

19. Utilize Mentors

Utilize mentors and coaches who will help you grow and develop into the kind of leader you

want to be. John C. Maxwell, Author and Leadership Expert, in his book, The 360 – Degree

Leader references an informal poll he took at his conferences to find out how people came to be

leaders:

I asked if they became leaders (a) because they were given a position; (b) because there was a

crisis in the organization; or (c) because they had been mentored. More than 80 percent

indicated that they were leaders because someone had mentored them in leadership – had

taken them through the process.

20. Take Risks

Initially you will take risk that fits within your own comfort level and consistent with your needs

and goals. Taking a calculated risk, more of a managed risk based on intelligence and ability is a

sign of a growing leader who is willing to move out of their comfort zone with no guarantee of

success. Soon you learn the thrill of accomplishment and achievement of goals.

21. Assess Your Strengths

“We do not deal much in facts when we are contemplating ourselves.” - Mark Twain

Assess and build on your strengths and manage your weaknesses; Taking an assessment will

help you gain awareness of your strengths and behavioral traits. This knowledge becomes

invaluable to you as you build your own team with members who complement your weaknesses.

Learning about yourself is critical to gaining insight into others strengths and finding the right fit

for the right task.

22. Enjoy Being Alone

Enjoy being alone with yourself, carving out time to think, reflect, journal; Taking time “to smell

the roses.” Not only will you need down time to reenergize but as your leadership growth

continues you may experience what is called “It is lonely at the top.” It becomes critical to

understand when being alone is necessary and rejuvenating versus when you really need to be

engaging support instead of suffering.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

23. Continue Learning

Knowledge is power. One of my leadership values is “I am a leader who shares knowledge

creating power in others.” I believe in sharing information that I learn no matter what the media

– reading, attending conferences, formal education or from my on-the-job doctorate that I

earned. As a passionate leader you really come to appreciate your own personal and

professional development as a requirement for ongoing success.

24. Own Your Power

No more wait and see, waiting for permission. Empower yourself; demonstrate confidence not caution. Handle your job with authority.

25. Clarify Roles & Responsibilities

Capable of being specific on managerial issues such as decision-making authority, hiring and

firing authority, reporting requirements and setting standards of performance. Being articulate

and clear about the who’s, what’s and when’s will make your job a lot simpler.

26. Respect Differences

Appreciate different perspectives; examine old assumptions; risk being proven wrong, losing

face or looking stupid; Be willing to search out diverse opinions and encourage people to provide

more information, speak out and disagree. Be open to learning and challenge your thinking.

27. Foster Trust

It is not enough to be competent and charismatic – you must be seen as someone who can be

trusted, who has high integrity and is honest. People willingly follow those they believe in and

trust. Others will ask themselves about you… “Do I trust this person?”

28. Regulate Your Emotions

Anyone can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right

degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way – this is not easy.

– Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics

Read and understand Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

29. Practice Service

Ask how may I serve? What can I do for you? These are powerful questions that help you to

focus on contributing value to your team, peers, management and customers. The practice of

service determines your success. You may have heard this statement previously… Your rewards

in life will always be equal to the value of your service to others.

30. Increase Knowledge

“I will study and prepare myself and someday my chance will come.” – Abraham Lincoln

And as Brian Tracy states in his book, Create Your Own Future, Luck happens when preparation

meets opportunity. You need to continually look for ways to increase your own knowledge. Do

not wait for your lucky break; take action to create your own lucky break. Earl Nightingale once

said that, “if your opportunity comes and you are not prepared for it, it will only make you look

foolish.”

31. Facilitate

Use the materials and resources available and facilitate teams for sharing best practices,

engaging in problem-solving, etc.

32. Play On The Court

Be in the game playing on the court, not sitting in the stands; no longer being an observer.

DELIVERING RESULTS

33. Experience Being Uncomfortable

Reach beyond what you think you could do by doing something you have never done before like

speaking before a large audience, negotiating a large contract, taking risk on a new product or

service... As a leader, you will be uncomfortable, you will be stretched and the resulting

experiences are invaluable lessons in courage, in taking on broader responsibility and building

confidence.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

34. Show Compassion

Show concern and compassion; people tend to trust people that show concern for them; people

see and feel your concern before they hear your words; when you think and practice compassion

toward others you become a better leader; discover how to express compassion in action.

35. Recruit Great People

Recruit the best people to surround you; recruit team members that are smarter than you; that

you enjoy being around; and those that compliment your weaknesses.

36. Demonstrate Competence

To lead, you must be an expert, star performer, a wise decision maker; followers want to be led

by someone they have confidence in that can perform and deliver results. Gain clarity on what

areas you have a demonstrated competency with the experiences and results to support it.

Being a jack of all trades and master of none is not what is required; Findings by Gallup

Management of all the leaders they have studied show that those who strive to be competent in

all leadership attributes become the least effective leaders overall.

37. Establish Credibility

People want leaders who are credible; someone they can believe in… believe they can be

trusted. Credibility is the foundation of leadership, state the authors of Credibility: How Leaders

Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It. Credibility, like reputation is earned over time.

38. Build Your Muscle

Build your muscle; Take action, strengthen your leadership effectiveness muscle every day. Build

on your capabilities for these are the means for you to produce results.

39. Recognize Greatness

Recognize the three kinds of greatness described by Stephen Covey in his book, The 8th Habit:

From Effectiveness to Greatness: 1) Personal Greatness, 2) Leadership Greatness and 3)

Organizational Greatness.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

40. Value and Contribute to Others

Leadership involves making decisions. As you move up the leadership ladder with more

responsibility and more people following you, the more value based decisions are required for

you to make. Values are what are important to you. Core values cannot be compromised. These

are the ones that show up when you are under pressure.

When we honor our own values, regularly and consistently, life is good. Life is fulfilling.

Interestingly, Elvis Presley said, “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody’s are the same, but you

leave ‘em all over everything you do.”

41. Recognize Talent

Know your natural gifts and talents and discover how to recognize the talents in your team

members, staff and bosses.

42. Earn Respect and Reward

Earning respect as a leader comes from your interactions with others and results that you

deliver. Leadership experts state “The organization is a reflection of the leader.” Other experts

have said, “You teach someone how to treat you by the interaction you have with others.”

Take a moment to think about this. If the leader is always short with others, rushed,

rescheduling or cancelling appointments, most likely you will find the balance of the

organization doing the same. If the leader does not demonstrate value for her own time, then

being accountable for the impact of how she and her team use their time is lost and not

respected. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them

greatly and they will show themselves as great.”

Becoming a powerful and passionate leader is an evolving process of different experiences,

interfaces and results. There are moments of crystal clarity and befuddled mishaps in your day

to day leadership experience. Both are necessary. Acknowledging your own growth allows you

to better understand what others experience. Your ability to give thoughtfully to others in time,

advice and feedback will earn you respect. Opportunities begin to open up for you to seek and

grow as a leader.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

43. Lead and Follow

When do you lead? And, when do you follow? At all levels of the organization, leaders

experience situations when they find themselves being both at the same time. Situations may

flow smoothly and other times the tension grows and conflict appears – do you go

along/cooperate or oppose/resist?

44. Influence

You will learn the difference between being the boss and being the leader; Understand your

level of influence and where it is now; Discover who the influencers are and what your

relationship is to them; Discover Learn how to increase your influence and become a passionate

and great leader.

45. Enhance Your Decision-Making Ability

Of those who have experienced failure, lack of decision was a primary cause of the failure.

Napoleon Hill in his conclusions after 20 years of studying more than 500 exceedingly wealthy

men, writes in his famous book, Think and Grow Rich, “Analysis of several hundred people who

had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million dollar mark, disclosed the fact that every one

of them had the habit of REACHING DECISIONS PROMPTLY, and of changing these decisions

SLOWLY, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without

exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, IF AT ALL, very slowly, and of changing these

decisions quickly and often.”

46. Inspire Confidence In Others

Instill confidence in the team; delegate appropriate jobs to appropriate people; empower others

to work and solve problems on their own.

47. Be Rewarded For Your Efforts

Rewards in satisfaction and in compensation come your way when you effectively lead others.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

48. Discover How To Build Loyalty

Loyalty cannot be demanded; it is granted by those who believe the leader has earned it. Are

you reliable, dependable, trustworthy? What are the experiences and outcomes that

demonstrate your capacity to consistently act in this manner?

49. Deliver Results

Deliver results consistently month after month, year after year… Harvard Business Review,

January-February 2010 discusses “ the best-performing CEO’s in the world and the importance

of taking a long view of business leadership during their tenure and also after their departure”.

The article is a necessary read for all business leaders… “The #1 CEO on their list is Steve Jobs

who delivered a whopping 3188% industry-adjusted return after he rejoined Apple as CEO in

1997, when the company was in dire shape. From that time until the end of September 2009,

Apple’s market value increased by $150 billion.”

50. Define Clear Expectations

Define what’s expected of others and be clear about what they can expect from you. Help others

understand when expectations change for a smooth transition.

51. Accept & Honor Failure

Accept and honor failure as a way to learn and grow. After attending a wonderful course called

Exploring the Fulfilled Life, I learned a process for handling failure. It is amazing and now I look

forward to my next failure.

52. Motivate Others Easily

Motivate others to perform at their best, working together and gives recognition to people who

produce excellent work and give extra effort. Has an enthusiastic attitude that positively affects

others.

53. Provide Tools & Resources

Providing the tools and resources that others need to do their best work; effective leadership

clears the path of obstacles or barriers, aligns goals and systems so that others can achieve their

goals.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

54. Overcome Worry & Fear

Earl Nightingale, founder of Nightingale-Conant Corporation, says a reliable estimate of the

things people worry about fall into these percentages:

40% will never happen 30% have already happened

12% are needless worries about our health 10% are petty miscellaneous

8% real legitimate worries Nightingale writes “In short, 92 percent of the average person’s worries take up valuable time,

cause painful stress – even mental anguish – and are absolutely unnecessary.”

55. Say What Matters

Say things to people that really matter, making your words work for clarity and full

understanding; as a leader you will find situations where you must say – “You are better than

that. I hold you responsible. There are no excuses. The buck stops with you.”

56. Own & Accept Responsibility

Own and accept responsibility for your mistakes; learn from them; totally eliminate the blame

game; accept criticism constructively; identify and pursue resources needed to improve your

own performance.

57. Perform Powerfully

Perform powerfully during transition and change. You will learn how to manage change instead

of letting it manage you. There are many opportunities during times of change. Change is

usually not managed at all. People are resisting, reacting or running from change. When change

presents itself an opening is created for your to step up and prove yourself.

58. Demonstrate A Positive, Realistic Attitude

Play it straight – do not ignore the reality and be able to confront situations. Have the ability to

find the balance and not just be a Pollyanna. Your attitude is one thing you can totally control.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

59. Hold Others Accountable

Keep score; People play differently when they’re keeping score, says Stephen Covey. He says,

build a scoreboard and consistently update it… intensity increases, team adapts quickly to new

challenges, and the speed and tempo build dramatically.

60. Up The Ante

Up the ante, make yourself and others stretch. Begin asking more of yourself and then others.

Expect more.

61. Express Gratitude

Gratitude is defined as a feeling of thankfulness. Express what you are grateful for; talk to

others about what you are grateful for. Say a simple thank you to those around you for what

they do.

62. Satisfy Customers

Who is your customer? Know who you are serving. Does your team know? Are your customers

internal or external? Clarify the responsibilities for satisfying the customer; create an

environment that focuses on the customer and their satisfaction with your products or services.

63. Diagnose Accurately

Diagnosing employees and situations accurately to successfully manage group processes for

effective performance

64. Compete On Value

Know your value so you can compete on your value – the essence of what makes you different;

articulate your value with the confidence to speak to someone face to face and expertly share

and discuss how you/your expertise help him/her achieve their goals. Be confident in your

presentation of yourself.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

65. Speak Well

Speaking is one of the best business tools a leader can have; Speaking – your ability to express

yourself with confidence and clarity – is the one thing that has more impact on your overall

advantage as a passionate and powerful leader; this is the ability to

present your ideas in an interesting and persuasive manner;

project your enthusiasm and passion to generate interest and commitment to those

listening;

inspire those you lead so it is easy for them to support your vision;

build confidence so others believe in themselves

66. Evaluate Priorities To Align With Goals

Distractions will never go away… an exciting project presented to you by a colleague; multi-

tasking with email, phone, mail, texts; changing requirements… you name it, there are many

things demanding your attention and piquing your interest. Learning to establish goals with

clear outcomes, setting with key milestones, measuring progress and outcomes are key to

handling distractions and delivering results consistently. Evaluating priorities to align with goals

becomes a process and more easily implemented.

67. Model Behaviors

Build a solid foundation of trust by leading through example. Model the behaviors that you

would like to see in your team – promptness to meetings, responsiveness to requests,

accountable for actions, setting and clarifying expectations. Keep promises; can be trusted to

handle confidential information and demonstrates high ethical standards.

68. Be Your True Self

“Chief Integrity Officer” – what a great title. Every leader needs to ask are they being honest

with themselves? As your leadership journey continues the demands and the needs of the

business or the organization impacts your leadership style. Developing your own leadership style

that fits your own beliefs, strengths and personality, many times through trial and error, is

critical to truly being effective. Without a good fit of your leadership style and the business

needs, before you know it, you experience burnout – you become just worn out. When

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

opportunities present themselves (and they will), will you have the knowledge and the courage

to Be Your True Self and ask does this fit.

69. Listen

Listen to others keenly; create a comfortable environment for airing concerns; listen to all points

of view with an open mind; solicits ideas, suggestions and opinions from others; listen without

interrupting giving folks your undivided attention; summarize what you hear and then check for

understanding – did they receive the message in the way you intended or are you receiving the

message in the way they intended.

70. Laugh

“Laughter is the best medicine.”Laughter, in addition to boosting your own and your team

spirits, can actually have health enhancing effects. Laughter stimulates circulation and relaxes

tense muscles; After laughing, studies have shown, that people feel more motivated, optimistic

and calmer under pressure. Research has found that the average child laughs about 400 times a

day, but the average adult laughs only 12 times. Bring in a Dilbert cartoon and initiate a good

laugh - http://www.dilbert.com/2010-01-06/

71. Love

Listen, Laugh and Love is another of my core leadership values. It is important for me to be

genuine in the building of relationships both personally and professionally.

Demonstrating respect, showing compassion and loving people, loving what I do, loving

the process and not being afraid to live my passion has strengthened me as a leader.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

LEADING CHANGE

72. Find Your Voice

Find your voice; Speak up about what you are passionate about – what are you committed to?

What is your leadership style?

73. Talk Straight

Do you recall a situation where you just wished the person you were speaking with would just be

honest with you, stop “beating around the bush?” It can leave you with a frustrating or very

unsettling feeling. I am a huge proponent of talking straight after being in Human Resources,

leadership roles and an Executive Coach for years. Stephen Covey in his book, Speed of Trust,

defines “Talk Straight” as honesty in action and it means telling the truth and leaving the right

impression (which means communicating so clearly that you cannot be misunderstood).

74. Seize Opportunities

Discover one thing about leadership power, and perhaps the thing that defines the leaders from

the followers is their ability to seize an opportunity. Those people, who can recognize an

opportunity when they see one, and take advantage of it at the right moment, are the ones who

are using their leadership power.

75. Create From Nothing

Creating from nothing being the pioneer getting the arrows in the back is one of my core values

that pulled me through times when I did not know what to do, when the

answer/solution/process was not readily apparent. It is a powerful place to be when you know

you can create something from nothing!

76. Stretch Your Thinking For The Future

Imagine the future. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” And

Warren Bennis said, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

77. Sustain Hope

Keep hope alive; during times of difficulty, learn to inspire and foster attitudes of optimism…

‘We can do it! Things will improve. Let’s stay focused but flexible to achieve our goals.” Be a

leader who faces reality and yet cheers the team forward.

78. Confront Reality

Taking the difficult, I-don’t-want-to-deal-with-it issues head-on. No longer brushing them under

the rug but instead placing the issue square in the center of the table for discussion. It means

not shying away and instead being genuine and direct about issues that may be affecting

people’s hearts and minds. Jim Collins in his book Good to Great states, that good-to-great

companies infused their decision making processes with “the brutal facts of reality.” He further

shares that Pitney Bowes executive Fred Purdue was quoted as saying “My job is to turn over

rocks and look at the squiggly things, even if what you see can scare the hell out of you.” Are

you talking about the ‘scary squiggly things’ that might impede your or your organization’s

future?

79. Communicate Powerfully Influencing Others

Model these communication behaviors effectively: Talk Straight, Demonstrate Respect, Confront

Reality, Clarify Expectations, Listen, Keep Commitments and Build Trust.

80. Focus on Moving Forward

Focus on the factors that move your organizations or business forward.

When the morning’s freshness has been replaced by the weariness of midday, when the leg

muscles quiver under the strain, the climb seems endless, and, suddenly, nothing will go quite

as you wish – it is then that you must not hesitate.

Dag Hammarskjold

81. Coach Others Toward Greater Effectiveness

You will never know when the opportunity will present itself for you to step in and be a coach to

someone else. It maybe while standing in line, sitting on a plane, at a soccer game, at lunch with

a colleague – whenever there is a conversation – a teachable moment may arise. Share, ask,

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

listen, share – be in communication, believe in them and do what you can to help that person be

their very best.

82. Adapt To Changing Circumstances

Adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible to make the necessary adjustments; loosen up

and go with the flow.

83. Differentiate Yourself

Differentiate yourself personally and professionally providing value to everyone you come in

contact with. Distinguish yourself in a crowded organization, field or industry.

84. Find Balance

Life balance is one of the greatest challenges most people face. As the demands of your

leadership journey grows and expands, it is critical that you find the time and resources to re-

energize, rejuvenate and keep your well-being strong. Your ability to bounce back quickly from a

setback; to keep a fresh and grounded perspective; and, to think creatively is key to being

effective as a leader. Finding the balance of your personal and professional well-being must be a

priority.

85. Hold Yourself To A Higher Standard

C.K. Prahalad, Distinguished Professor of Strategy at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of

Business shares the following with his MBA and executive education participants:

“...Managers must remember that they are the custodians of society’s most powerful

institutions. They must therefore hold themselves to a higher standard. Managers must

strive to achieve success with responsibility.” Here are a few of his remarks:

Be concerned about due process. People seek fairness – not favors. They want to be

heard.

Learn to relate to those who are less fortunate.

Expect to be judged by what you do and how well you do it – not by what you day you

want to do.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

Read more on The Responsible Manager

86. Stand For Something

To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.

– Mahatma Ghandi

87. Earn The Right

People who have been described as the most admired leaders engaged in the following list of

some actions and behaviors to gain respect, trust and be influential. The leader:

Supported me

Had the courage to do the right thing

Challenged me

Listened

Celebrated good work

Opened doors

Overcame personal hardships

Taught well

Presented by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner in Credibility.

88. Reinvent Yourself

New challenges, new opportunities, new people will show up demanding or offering a chance at

reinventing yourself. What will you do? How will you handle it?

89. Share Your Knowledge

Share your knowledge creating power in others has been one of my core values and has served

me well in all of my years of leading. Be open and contribute in a way that leaves others more

powerful.

90. Celebrate Victories

Celebrate the victories - the smaller the better. A new multi-year study tracking the day-to-day

activities of knowledge workers written about in Harvard Business Review, January-February

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

2010, found that it is PROGRESS that really motivates workers. The article states… “On days

when workers have a sense they’re making headway in their jobs… their drive to succeed is at its

peak.”

GIVING BACK

91. Make A Difference

Make a difference in the lives of others; one of the great benefits of leading is helping others

become all that they can become. It is also creating a legacy such as two leaders, Bill Gates and

Warren Buffett have done. They have taken their success and created something that is greater

than themselves. They have moved beyond success to significance where their endeavors have a

significant impact on humanity.

92. Share Lessons Learned

Share your lessons learned; talk about your failures. Help others to make the best decisions for

themselves by sharing your wisdom from your own leadership experiences.

93. Invest In Yourself

Invest in you – create your own personal net worth. Plan for personal and professional

development – success is not an accident. Invest in all kinds of learning from reading, listening

to audio programs, attending courses and conferences, engaging a coach and trying new things.

Mastery and excellent performance opens doors and is the key to being financially rewarded for

what you are really worth. Do you know your own net worth?

94. Transform Followers Into Leaders

Transform followers into new leaders. To quote one of my favorite authors on leadership, John

C. Maxwell, “Great leaders produce other leaders… It takes a leader to know a leader, grow a

leader, and show a leader.” Maxwell in his book, Developing the Leaders Around You, writes “a

leader who produces followers limits his success to what his direct, personal influence touches.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

His success ends when he can no longer lead. On the other hand, a leader who produces other

leaders multiplies his influence, and he and his people have a future.”

95. Make Customer Value Top Priority

Place the focus on pleasing your customers; find the balance of maximizing customer

satisfaction and ensuring that shareholders earn an acceptable return. Johnson and Johnson, as

written in Harvard Business Review, January-February 2010, “has confidence that when

customer satisfaction is at the top of the list, shareholders will do just fine.” J&J’s credo in

abbreviated form:

“We believe our first responsibility is to the doctors, nurses and patients, to mothers and

fathers and all others who use our products and services…

We are responsible to our employees, the men and women who work with us throughout

the world…

We are responsible to the communities in which we live and work and to the world

community as well…

Our final responsibility is to our stockholders…

When we operate according to these principles, the stockholders should realize a fair

return.”

96. Be Recognized For Your Contributions

Recognition for a job well done is very rewarding and humbling; receiving an award, a plaque

with your name on it; a donation in your name; a building named after you; having someone

quote you and acknowledge your contribution – there are many so many ways you and your

impact on others may be recognized. The best of it all is the simple observation of someone you

touched leading others.

97. Live The Life You Want

Gain control of your life; master the critical skills for unlimited success in your field of work, your

personal life and become the kind of leader who attracts people, ideas and opportunities that

help you achieve your goals faster than you ever dreamed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

98. Ask For What You Want

Have your family, friends and co-workers do what you ask because they want to do it, not

because they have to.

99. Relax

How beautiful is it to do nothing and then rest afterwards. – Spanish Proverb

100. Experience Richness

Experience richness in all of your interfaces/interactions with others; Experience the richness in

knowing you are making a difference for others in both small and big ways; Experience the

richness in life all of your daily activities, reflections and general well being.

101. Peace of Mind

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your

best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” - John Wooden

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP MASTERY TODAY!

Do you want to leave a legacy? Are you making the kind of positive impact that contributes to

others? Do you have desire to make a difference?

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, I invite you to contact Susan West at 248-689-2006

or swest@susanewest.com for a 15-minute consultation. I am passionate about helping leaders

achieve their personal brilliance, improve their lives and be the best leader they can be through

a very dedicated and proven coaching process. The opportunities to lead are open to everyone

and I encourage you step up to take on the responsibility of leadership and reap the rewards of

your efforts!

CONTACT SUSAN E. WEST

SUSAN WEST

QuadWest Associates, LLC 4816 Pickford Troy, Michigan 48085

Office: 248-689-2006

swest@SusanEWest.com

ABOUT SUSAN E. WEST

Susan West is the President of QuadWest Associates, LLC, a leadership coaching

and training organization headquartered in cozy Troy, Michigan. Susan specializes

in helping clients recognize and step into their personal brilliance achieving their

leadership dreams. QuadWest Associates has had great success delivering

executive and business coaching services, leadership development seminars and

motivational speaking.

Along with other top leadership experts, she is the co-author of The Advantage of Leadership. With

contributions from the world’s leading professionals, gurus and authorities, this book reveals strategies

to increase leadership skills while sharing what has made them successful.

West is an executive leader who coaches people to accomplish goals they thought were out of reach;

who shares knowledge creating power in others; and who motivates teams for breakthrough results.

She knows the demands of holding an executive position, as President of TechCentral, she was

instrumental in bringing the owners together to create a new joint venture and establish the

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Susan E. West

www.TheLeadershipResource.com Copyright 2010-2012

infrastructure foundation to operate the company. Her process leadership and business strategy skills

generated nearly $20 million of cost savings to a Fortune 100 client earning Supplier of the Year Award.

She has served as President for the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation.

Susan, also the Founder of online resources such as www.TheLeadershipResource.com ,

www.LeadershipArticles.net and www.LeadershipDevelopmentConnection.com has a strong base of

experiences and many lessons learned as she climbed the ladder in Corporate America and then moved

on to launch her own businesses:

Fulfilled a successful executive career as President in a very traditional industry with few women

executives

Awarded Supplier of the Year for the largest world’s largest automotive supplier out of 6000

suppliers just three years after being awarded the contract

Access to 29 years of business experience

Raised a family of two sons and has a wonderful marriage of 30 years

Bridged two powerful owners whose values were not aligned to deliver a profitable return on a

minority joint venture

Transitioned from Corporate America with a clear plan for a new business and remarkable results

Diverse Business experience – Small to Fortune 100 companies, Non-profit agencies and

international experience

Ms. West received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics from Alma College. She

also holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.