Would you not agree that leadership in our world today is  very weak? True and authentic leadership styles to learn from are basically non-existent. CEOs, business owners, entrepreneurs and managers are constantly seeking higher guidance in order to lead effectively.

    The basic rule for consistent, sustainable leadership is to utilize common sense. What is astounding is most individuals in leadership roles are not using or don’t have a clue as to what common sense interprets.

    It’s assumed that when an individual reaches a level of leadership, they will have and utilize common sense in business and management development. You cannot teach common sense, you either have it or you don’t. Common sense is an experience of pure discernment; leading by example is not in a book. The example a leader demonstrates is connected to an inner knowing, gut feeling and natural instinct.

    Authentic leadership is a conscious choice. You either desire to lead by example or you don’t. The people you are leading can spot false leadership immediately. To lead by example, one must discern what that example will be and if that example will inspire others to follow. One demonstration of a higher example of common sense would be from those in positions of perceived authority who are observing the leadership style of the leader. For example, the Board of Directors will know immediately through the response and results of those who are being led as to whether or not the person at the helm is leading at the level required.

    There are many leaders who attempt to lead with great resistance from those following. This level of non-leadership creates dissension and lack of productivity. Whenever there is clutter, chaos or confusion, common sense rules. Leadership impostors must therefore be removed. In order to sustain, do not be deceived by false leadership that may be plaguing yourself and your company. Leading by example is a higher choice that involves taking full responsibility and being totally accountable for all results. The power of choosing common sense will create and sustain a timeless ripple affect for those who are desperate to walk beside a true leader in this very volatile corporate marketplace. To understand the experience of leading by example would be to identify the opposite, false leadership.

    Recently, I learned about a company who was making changes internally. They were looking to promote from within, and targeted three executives for a brand new leadership position. The final decision was made while one of the three was on vacation. Upon his return and learning of the new corporate leadership shift, the decision created tremendous distrust, confusion, anger, lack of respect and a feeling of being betrayed. Granted, this must have been a difficult decision for the leader in power to make. Knowing the decision would be difficult, the first item on the agenda should be to create a plan to honor all candidates through honest communication, not deception. The aftermath of making weak leadership choices is not worth the emotional and moral wear and tear on all of those looking to be led. The message is loud and clear: the leader leading the company cannot be trusted. This message isn’t written anywhere, it is just there and gives all those employed permission to not trust.

   Just one weak decision will play havoc on the whole. In most leadership decisions, the whole is not even considered. What seems to be contagious is the constant focus on how the company creates more revenue. It’s the addiction of wanting more that prevents leaders from actually connecting with their true purpose - to be trusted leaders. The purpose should be to lead others first on the highest level of respect. By believing and deliberately implementing this level of leadership, revenues will follow greater than can be imagined. This theory is simple but difficult to embrace, as it is just ‘too simple’ and, most significantly, just basic common sense. However, at this very moment, weak leadership decisions are being performed. Until leaders creating such insanity stop and pro-actively observe the decisions being made, their desired financial and professional outcomes as a whole may be in jeopardy.

    Jan Eden, president & founder of CEO In Training Inc., invites you to experience for yourself her unique marketing & business skills & techniques by attending her complimentary monthly Introductory Workshops. Visit www.ceointraining.com  for more details and registration.