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n How will I measure the success of this decision?
n What would be my ideal outcome regardless of the situation?
n How can I get as close as possible to that outcome given the

present realities?

Summary

Whether you are a charismatic or pragmatic leader has little to do
with the price of fish other than to create a need for you to
understand what your leadership strengths are and to apply those
strengths effectively to getting things done. David McClelland’s
research made it clear that the most successful leaders are
motivated by a wish to use their power to get things done. Your
style is part of your power to succeed if you understand it and use
it wisely.

Leadership is often the difference that counts between firms,
but it is not really the Jack Welch or Jack Smith that makes the
difference. It is the quality of leadership that is shown throughout
the business. Those organizations that depend too heavily on a
single charismatic leader often find that in a volatile business
environment they perpetuate the weaknesses of that leader to the
point of disaster. Whatever your position in the business you have
three questions that you should always keep in the forefront of
your mind.
– What is my leadership style?
– How relevant is it to today’s conditions?
– How flexible can I be without giving the impression that I am a

“flavour of the month” type of leader without clear values?

“Leadership is what leaders DO!” 111