"Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck leads the flock to follow" - Chinese Proverb

In preparation for a two day leadership development facilitation I'm re-reading a great book called "The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders", by John Zenger and Joseph Folkman.

From their thorough research here are ways managers can become great leaders:

1. Decide to become a great leader.

2. Develop and display high personal character.

3. Develop new skills. Enroll in developmental experiences.

4. Find a coach

5. Identify your strengths

6. Identify your weaknesses, and then find ways to make them irrelevant.

7. Fix fatal flaws.

8. Increase the scope of your assignment.

9. Connect with good role models.

10. Learn from mistakes and negative experiences.

11. Seek ways to give and receive productive feedback and learn to absorb it in an emotionally healthy way.

12. Learn from work experiences.

13. Study the current reality the organization faces.

14. Learn to think strategically.

15. Communicate with stories.

16. Infuse energy into every situation.

17. Allocate time to develop people.

18. Weld your team together.

19. Build personal dashboards to monitor leadership effectiveness.

20. Plan and execute a change initiative.

21. Become a teacher/trainer.

22. Study the high performers and replicate their behavior with others.

23. Volunteer in your community.

24. Practice articulating your vision for the firm and your group.

25. Prepare your next job. Think ahead regarding the skills you will need.

For more information about the executive coaching, training and organizational development services at Mission Facilitators International visit http://www.missionfacilitators.com/ or call 623-444-2164.