There have been hundreds of books and scores of experts and theorists who have tried to define one specific trait that makes a leader. After all, if we could identify the key leadership characteristic in others, couldn’t we then develop it within ourselves? Couldn’t we then form organizations that would produce effective leaders with this essential quality?
What is the attribute that defines leaders? Among the suggestions, a leader is one who breaks all the rules, anticipates change, gets everyone on the same page, creates value, communicates the mission, is the team leader — and so on.
The Complete Leader: Everything You Need To Become A High Performing Leader, by Ron Price and Randy Lisk, suggests there is no single quality or attribute that defines a leader. Instead, leadership development is a process based on numerous essential areas.
Indeed, “a complete leader” is a misnomer, as the leader is always in pursuit of more. An “incomplete leader,” according to the authors, is the more accurate description, denoting someone who is always expanding his skills and knowledge. Leaders place importance “not just on where they are but also where they have been and where they are going.”
Becoming a complete leader means never crossing the finish line, the authors argue.
What they offer is not a business book in the traditional sense but a “gateway to continual learning.” Rather than offering “static” information, the authors offer a companion website that allows for an ongoing process of leadership development to apply the skills outlined in the book.
The book is divided into 25 modules, with each focused on a specific leadership competency. There are five to seven of these competencies that are crucial for each leader to master, and then the rest follow.
The 25 competencies were selected based on the individual and shared experiences of the authors working with leaders in widely varied fields. In their research, they grouped these competencies in three broad categories: clear thinking, managing yourself and leading others. Authenticity is a competency that stands alone.
Leaders should be aware of all the competencies. What each individual focuses on will be unique to his or her leadership needs. The authors suggest that when reading the book, leaders note the competencies they believe are their strengths. Once finished, they can proceed to the website’s assessment. Based on this process as well as feedback from others, each leader can choose five to seven individual competencies for in-depth focus.
The book and website are meant to be
like an individual coaching session: evaluate strengths, then proceed to targeted training. The authors have created what they call an “ecosystem” of information, exercises and conversations to facilitate this process. This integrated combination of learning makes for a energizing leadership development experience.
Part one, “Leaders Are Clear Thinkers,” highlights the thinking skills of creativity, problem solving and decision-making needed by leaders to develop strategies for the future. The section on futuristic thinking and the use of modeling is particularly interesting as a tool for strategic planning. While some leaders have a natural talent for futuristic thinking, the authors also provide exercises for developing this skill.
Self-management and personal accountability headline the section on “Leaders Lead Themselves First.” Discovering the intrinsic motivation a leader has is crucial for success. The authors apply the principles of self-management equally to life and work.
Twelve of the 25 competencies are listed as skills needed for leaders to lead others, the most extensive section of the book. The focus is on how leaders get things done through communication, presentation, managing conflict, listening and other skills.
Authenticity, defined as the “ability to be the best possible version of you,” merits an important section on its own. Often a job requires different skills than those that come naturally to an individual, creating a gap. Here the authors give insight into leadership not simply as a skill but also as an art. The issues of integrity and the development of character are pivotal to developing leadership.
Price and Lisk provide new insight into the complexities of leadership. The Complete Leader is a hugely helpful guide that divides and conquers a topic that can seem overwhelming. For new leaders who want to energize their careers or for those established ones looking to make a greater impact, this is a detailed road map to get you there.