It’s true, everything rises or falls on leadership. If you look at a sales team, an organization, a non-profit, a sports team, and even a family, everything rises and falls on leadership.

Think for a moment, how is your company or organization doing? 

Wise leaders strengthen their leadership team. Wise leaders also cultivate and target NEW emerging leaders. They know the competitive edge for tomorrow’s success is today’s investment in emerging leaders. That being said, why do some people emerge as leaders while others stay where they are?

I believe it has to do with characteristics of leadership.

Here are Seven Characteristics of Emerging Leaders:
1. They possess a strong inner-character
Their core character is in place– core principles, core values, and the core inner-person.
2. Good people are drawn to them
They know how to develop, cultivate, and keep relationships intact. They deepen relationships and relationships deepen their leadership.
3. They do their homework
They know how to gather facts. Knowledge alone won’t make a leader but without knowledge, no one becomes a leader. 
4. They manage their emotions
Emotional intelligence and emotional self-management is a critical skill of an emerging leader. They don’t self-sabatoge and overreact under pressure.
5. They have a solid track record for wins
Past success doesn’t guarantee credibility, it encourages people to give you a chance to prove you are capable. 
6. They have three E’s: Energy, Energy, Energy
They possess a positive energy and resilient “come-back” attitude. People are drawn to their energy and enjoy being in their presence. 
7. They are confident
Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, observed, “Being in power is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” Emerging leaders have a belief and a confidence about them. 

Invest in emerging leaders because it truly will be your competitive advantage! Remember, leadership develops daily, not in a day. 

Here’s to building better leaders!
~Steve