Everyone is a Leader: Seven Critical Leadership Traits
by Dr. Erich Longie
In our years of experience consulting with organizations and individual clients, we have been privileged to work with some real leaders in the field. Through vocational rehabilitation project directors to counselors to the clients their projects served, I have identified some key characteristics that seem basic to success but are often ignored by some of the less successful programs. Perhaps they don't consider these skills technical enough to deserve their focus. Whatever the reasons, we have identified these not-so-simple factors in developing yourself and and your program into leaders.
- Punctuality – is a sign of respect toward your clients, people you are meeting with, presenters and participants at workshops, instructors and students in class, etc. Develop a habit of showing up on time for work, workshops and meetings 15 – 30 minutes early. By showing up thirty minutes early you will have the opportunity to visit with old friends, co-workers, new acquaintances and get coffee, snacks etc. and still be on time.
- Personal Appearance – I often hear comments like, “He thinks he is better than everybody”, or "He is trying to be White”, when an Indian person dresses well. Now that may have been true in the past and that may be true of certain individuals but dressing appropriately simply means you respect your clients or other persons you meet during the course of your job so much that you went to an extra effort to look your best.
- Extensive Background Knowledge – respect your position enough to become knowledgeable in your area. This is also showing respect towards your tribal members, fellow workers and the clients you are serving. It always amazes me when a person says he has nothing to do at work. With the Internet, you can find thousands of pages and download hundreds of articles on specific disabilities, traditional views of disability. Federal agencies provide many documents free or at low cost. You can always get our Caring for Our People CD and read the articles in the Virtual Library. There is always something more to learn. Understanding not only your specific field but related areas, your community and how different fields such as occupational therapy connect to your field shows a sincere interest in your profession.
4.Keep Current in Best Practices –You met characteristic number three, you are a competent vocational rehabilitation counselor and that is great. Now the challenge is to maintain your knowledge. Leaders constantly search the Internet and read articles on the latest research. A leader will also enroll in courses and attend workshops that contain the latest research Vocational Rehabilitation. Nothing instills confidence in your clients more than when you can recite the latest research in counseling sessions.
Next page, more characteristics of leaders