Leadership and learning from the politicians.

The successful leader must first make the commitment to practice evidence-based leadership by examining best practices and modeling her/his leadership practice after these models. We know from a plethora of evidence that the relationship-based leader who is also grounded in good operational abilities and can paint the picture of a compelling future is much more effective than the leader who is only selling facts and chooses to manage from her/his office. The leader who is driving toward success can use the saltshaker test: How often are you spreading "yes" to create that sense of connectedness and openness? Is the leader creating a sense of magnetism that comes from communicating the compelling story of optimism and hope for the future of the company that will draw people into an exciting future for the organization? We have great opportunities to watch the candidates for political office position themselves for election. Polls are telling the candidates what is working and what is not. Similar evidence about leaders and their characteristics tell us that relationships with people are what successful leadership is all about.