A Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa, this year for Christmas I do not want any toys (well, maybe one or two). What I really want is:

• leaders who listen more and talk less
• leaders who know how to ask good questions (see above)
• leaders who think and act strategically
• leaders who walk around and get to know people
• leaders who engage their multiple constituencies at a high level
• leaders who are not afraid to confront people who go against the organization's values
• leaders who reward people who live out the organization's value at a high level
• leaders who have a sucession plan in place - and make it publicly known
• leaders who do what leaders are supposed to do and not act like managers (or janitors)
• leaders who know how to follow
• leaders who share information easily and make it understandable
• leaders who think organically rather than linearly
• leaders who "get" community
• leaders who have a deep self-awareness
• leaders who are willing to ask hard questions of themselves and others
• leaders who know how to lead good meetings
• leaders who craft their message to their audiences
• leaders who speak passionately and professionally (see above)
• leaders who "believe the best" rather than "assume the worst"
• leaders who are always learning
• leaders who understand the concept of Level 5 leadership (humility AND determinate will)
• leaders who really understand servant leadership
• leaders who can say NO and provide a good reason
• leaders who say YES to good ideas that are fiscally responsible
• leaders who find ways to exploit others' strengths for the good of the organization
• leaders who practice the art of forgiveness
• leaders who bring about peace, freedom, justice, truth and love in their organizations
• leaders who truly love people
• leaders who truly love their organizations
• leaders who know how to relax and have a good time
• leaders who demand excellence in all they do - and what others do
• leaders who seek out other leaders for learning and growing
• leaders who know the importance of a clean desk
• leaders who know how to dress like a leader in representing their organization
• leaders who learn how to say "I'm sorry" or "I made a mistake"
• leaders who take every opportunity to talk about the organization's mission
• leaders who are willing to step into the fray and make things happen
• leaders who know when to sit back and allow others to make things happen

I invite you who are reading to add your Christmas wish list for leaders in the comments section below...