The Mindset of an Exceptional Leader

In my most recent article, I introduced the Ten Talents of an Exceptional Leader – how the best leaders spend their time and what they do to create value for the organizations they lead. In my next article, I offer some insights on the mindsets the best leaders have about their role that impacts how they perform these ten talents.

Think about the worst leaders you’ve worked with. What makes them so ineffective? 

I find many unsuccessful leaders really despise the whole “people thing” and never invest the time or money in building the skills required to lead others effectively. Too many want the title and all the perks that come along with it—more income, a nicer car, a better office, and more power—but aren’t really concerned with creating a positive experience for those they lead. They avoid the Ten Talents , and hence, never truly become exceptional leaders who leave a legacy with the people they lead.

In my experience, a leader’s ability to master the Ten Talents starts with the right mindset. They must see the value and have the desire to put the Ten Talents into practice. So what are the specifics of the mindset required to be an exceptional leader? I have found five dimensions make the best leaders stand out from all others.

1.     It’s Not About Me. Exceptional leaders understand their role is to help others bring their best every day, not to be the source of all knowledge, have all the answers, tell people what to do, or keep people from doing something stupid. It’s about helping others succeed. As Liz Wiseman points out in her book, “Multipliers”, some leaders focus on creating a Multiplier Effect: “Invoking each person’s unique intelligence and creating an atmosphere of genius.” Great leaders know that no matter how good or smart they are, they can add significantly more value, and be personally more successful, when they focus on amplifying the contributions of others.

2.     The Buck Stops Here. A sign with this phrase sat on the desk of President Harry S. Truman, reminding him a leader is ultimately responsible for their decisions and the outcomes of those decisions. If the outcomes you desire seem elusive, own that fact. Start by looking in the mirror and asking yourself, “Is it possible something I’m doing or not doing as a leader is contributing to this situation?” This self-reflection question does not suggest you completely own the problem, but it does offer that you own somewhere between 1% and 99%, and it encourages you to start with what you can do to change the situation. Don’t blame others until you’ve taken responsibility for your personal contribution to the problem (For more on this, check out my recent blog, “The Ultimate Leadership Challenge Question”).

3.     My Time is Precious. I admire my daughter for how well she protects her time. She finds balance in her life while running a successful business by often saying no. She recently said, “If I lose a hundred dollars, I can always make it up. If I spend a hundred hours on something, I never get it back.” Great leaders act with a sense of urgency and work tirelessly to keep their efforts focused on the actions that matter most. They are able to prioritize in the moment to avoid or deflect the unimportant in favor of the most critical to short- and long-term success. They own their time and protect it, rather than abdicating their schedules to the control of others.

4.     My Title Doesn’t Make Me Right. Exceptional leaders demonstrate “Professional Humility”. They believe that it’s possible that someone else might know more, have a better idea, or identify a better solution. Practicing humility means bringing others, with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, into the conversation. It means surrounding yourself with people different (and maybe even better) than you, with unique insights and perspectives who have the courage to challenge you. Great leaders ask for and expect people, regardless of title, to tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. They value those who offer candid feedback and challenge the status quo.

5.     We can do better. Exceptional leaders set the highest standards for themselves and others. They have a genuine curiosity and a passion for making something from nothing, achieving a purpose, driving improvement, and realizing remarkable results. They see every experience, good and bad, as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. These leaders are inspired, not discouraged, when things are hard or others say it can’t be done. No matter who good results are, they are never satisfied and always believe more is possible. Exceptional leaders live by the maxim, “If not me, who? And If not now, when?”. In fact, they are likely leaders in the first place because they have proven to the right people they were capable of making great things happen.

I believe exceptional leaders are made, not born. I’ve seen it happen often enough to be convinced. I’ve also learned that it’s not easy. Becoming great at anything begins with commitment and an understanding of and willingness to do what’s required.

Think about the most exceptional leaders you’ve been around. Do the above dimensions resonate with you? What’s missing from this list?