Attributes of a Great Leader

Attributes of a Great Leader

Entrepreneurs are the wave of the future. The industries and markets are constantly changing. Entrepreneurial Leaders today must be innovative and have the willingness to take the risk. Success comes with having the right people, the right values and guidelines. We will discuss the principles and strategies of three successful entrepreneurs and their journey towards leadership. How are they alike and how will their views on entrepreneurial leadership influence future leaders?

Case believes that the road to success is based in what he calls the Three P’s: People, Passion and Perseverance. Case believes to gain success one must engage in the right people who also have a desire to successful and change the world. Loving your job is one of the key points he discusses. If enjoyment is missing from your chosen profession, you are no good to yourself or those around you. Gaining success sometimes involves taking a risk. Failure may be inevitable, but at least the effort was made. Be patient and stay the course, success will follow (Case, 2010).

Kouzes’ belief is that your position or job title does not make a leader. People are mainly influenced by those whom they are in constant contact with on a day to day basis. Kouzes also feels that the best leaders should use five techniques to motivate others. First, lead by example. Your words should be modeled by your actions. Second, surround yourself with people who focus on similar ideas and goals. Third, do not wait for success, but instead go out and make things happen. Fourth, focus on your team. Talk to them and see what tool they need to be successful. Fifth, praise people for their efforts whether the outcome is good or bad. When people feel appreciated, they tend to put forth more effort that may in turn, lead to success (Kouzes, 2008).

Drucker’s believes that there is only success or failure. Individuals must aim to dominate whatever market they choose to engage in. Take significant risks to gain permanent leadership position. A true leader must search for ambitious individuals who have similar interest and goals to make the journey with them (Drucker, 1985).

Case, Kouzes and Drucker have very similar views on how to become a successful entrepreneur or leader to today’s markets. They all agree that your chosen team will bring success or cause failure. Surround yourself with people who want to be successful. A successful manager must lead a team of people who have different personalities and views but similar goals (Fraser, 2006). They must be ambitious and share similar goals and interests. Put people first. Your team must know that they are valued. A good leader will not be afraid to take a risk. They have to focus on the future goals of the company not just the here and now.

The new definition of Entrepreneurial Leadership (as cited in Tarabishy, Fernald,