Doesn’t it feel, often, in all aspects of life, that we end up, settling, with the same – the old, the same – the old or the good – enough, when we should be, demanding, that all of our leaders direct us, upwards, and make us, SOAR? Whether you belong to any type of organization, including civic, non-profit and for-profit, as well as, as citizens of this nation, isn’t this the least we should be? Entitled to? Unfortunately, these days, we continue to witness an apparent dearth of genuine, quality, and meaningful leadership. With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it is so essential.
1. Service; system; solutions; sustainable; strongest / strengths: Only when leaders provide the best service to those they are chosen to serve and represent will constituents consistently receive what they need and deserve! This requires much more than empty promises and rhetoric, but introducing relevant and sustainable solutions that lead to the best possible courses of action. The goal of a leader should be to strengthen constituents and the group / organization, and to use strengths effectively and appropriately. Today, we have witnessed, during the Donald Trump administration, what appears to many to be little, if any, attention to the common good, but rather an emphasis on Trump’s personal / political agenda, and / or, own interest! Unfortunately, to some extent, we see this in many organizations too!
two. Options; opportunities; open mind: Since no one has all the answers, we are always best served and represented by leaders, who are open-minded and willing to think outside the box. When that is the case, a variety of options and alternatives are examined and considered, and the likelihood of making the best decision is enhanced. When any other path is followed, the opportunities and potential are often reduced and weakened.
3. Attitude; fitness; attention; articulate: Aren’t we all better off when / if a leader proceeds, with a positive “can do” attitude, rather than sadness and doom? Too often, we witness these individuals, with a less than desirable aptitude and skill set, combined with a willingness to pay close attention to possibilities. Unlike the current occupant of the White House, great leaders articulate a message, which unifies, rather than focusing on polarization.
Four. Sensitive; relevant; resolve / resolve; ramifications; responsibilities: How can someone, be considerate, a leader, unless / until their actions are responsive and relevant? Shouldn’t you be looking to solve challenges and aim for sustainable resolutions? Leaders must take their responsibilities seriously, realizing that everything a leader does will have ramifications.
Or a leader aims to help us SOAR, Or you are not entitled to that title! Demand more and better, from those who are supposed to serve and represent you, your best interests and the common good!