Learned leadership characteristics

Studying great leaders (both living and deceased) is proving to be an interesting and worthwhile endeavor for me.

When I see traits in myself that I possess and lack (as illustrated by the stories I read), I’m able to 1) determine what philosophies and methodologies resonate with me and 2) make mid-course corrections when I find valuable nuggets.

There are many leaders I admire, and just as many whose lives I wouldn’t want under any circumstances. Exposure to an array of perspectives and personalities inform the way I see myself being remembered, respected, and how I’d feel about myself during quiet moments of reflection.

I don’t think it’s impossible to grow into a respectable and effective leader without spending time on things like this, but I’m inclined to stack the deck in my favor.

And besides…many of these stories read better than fiction.

Willie Jackson is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant & Facilitator with ReadySet, a boutique consulting firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a frequent writer and speaker on the topics of workplace equity, global diversity, and inclusive leadership. Connect on LinkedIn or get in touch.

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