Most people recognize good leadership, but what characterizes effective leaders?
In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins identifies one type of leader as most effective. Contrary to popular thought, there was little correlation between charisma or personality with effective leadership. In fact, it had little to do with the leader’s personal ability, but the talent surrounding him or her.
Effective leaders are not threatened by talent or intelligence, rather are willing to surround themselves with the most capable team. They are honest about personal weakness, and are able to recognize what skills the organization needs to excel.
Andrew Carnegie’s ideal epitaph, “Here lies a man wise enough to bring into his service men who knew more than he.”