In my experience, all great leaders share a singular and unmistakable “common denominator.”
Is it maturity? No. Nobody would ever accuse Mark Zuckerberg of being “mature.”
Youth? Again, no. Dole Foods CEO David H. Murdock is in his 90s.
Charisma? No way. Bill Gates has the charisma of a day-old mackerel.
Innovativeness? Nope. Coke’s CEO Muhtar Kent arguably hasn’t had a new idea in years.
Intelligence? Uh, no. Henry Ford had a notably low IQ.
Empathy? Certainly not. Steve Jobs was as unempathic as they come.
What, then, is the common denominator?
Earlier this month, I asked that question of Matt Tenney, author of the new (and excellent) book Serve to Be Great. His answer:
“Self-awareness.”
And he’s right.
via The One Trait All Great Leaders Have | The Muse.
I just loved this tidbit of wisdom. Reminds me of a great quote by Winston Churchill. Short (and amusing) enough to read quickly, yet just long enough to cover the subject (with punch). Hook after hook – excellent.