Section 1.1: Realistic Expectations in Leadership

Taylor follows several influential figures, including Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, and Vivek Bhaskaran, CEO of QuestionPro, whom she considers exemplary leaders.

A key element of effective leadership involves setting realistic expectations rather than imposing unattainable ones.

"The era of exceptional leaders has passed," Ignjatovic remarked. "After all, they are human too. There’s much to learn from the mistakes of others."

When leaders become overconfident, they risk losing their effectiveness.

"In crafting the Sustained Leadership WBS book, I identified 229 elements critical to leadership," Reid stated. "Everyone possesses a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses among these elements. Therefore, a tailored approach is essential for your leadership journey."

He pointed out common pitfalls that can derail progress.

"A deficiency in character or capability can be detrimental," Reid warned. "The book highlights that any lapse in the 229 elements can disrupt your leadership path. What obstacles do you face on your journey?"

"Often, business owners overlook character flaws if performance metrics are being met," he explained. "Greed permeates all levels of leadership, contributing to the widespread issues in both leadership development and selection globally."

Section 1.2: Fostering Leadership at All Levels

In Reid's perspective, the most successful organizations nurture leadership at every level.

"Lack of character or competence is subjective," Taylor argued. "What I perceive as a deficiency may not align with the views of others, including a board of directors."

"There seems to be a contradiction in our expectations," she continued. "While we desire leaders to be relatable, we as followers often fail to uphold our part, resulting in authoritarian figures."

Taylor adopts a distinct strategy.

"I'm dedicated to actively listening to others and improving my ability to find resources that facilitate work," she shared.

"My best boss went out of his way to support me, making it easy for me to go the extra mile when he needed something," Taylor reflected. "In contrast, selfish leaders who seek to impress superiors often alienate their teams."

According to GoRemotely, a mere 2.6 percent of managers are highly engaged.

"I continuously evolve by acquiring new skills while building on what I already know," Ignjatovic shared. "Currently, I'm enhancing my interpersonal skills and understanding of people."

Although numerous leadership books exist, opinions on their effectiveness vary.

"I’ve explored a vast array of leadership literature and found them lacking," Reid noted. "This realization inspired the creation of Sustained Leadership WBS and the launch of a new online course aimed at transforming perspectives on leadership."

The first video, "Managing Yourself BEFORE Managing Others - Try These Leadership Gems," delves into foundational leadership principles that can empower individuals before they take charge of others.

Section 2.1: Diversity in Leadership

Recent statistics from Workable indicate that only 16.8 percent of organizations prioritize diversity in leadership roles.

"The most alarming trait occurs when a psychopath assumes a leadership position, which is more common than one might think," Ignjatovic cautioned. "People seldom change; rather, power and wealth often reveal their true nature."

Leaders have varied aspirations and objectives.

"I aim to progress on my leadership journey throughout my life, striving to be the best version of myself," Reid stated. "That’s the only version I can offer to the world."

"Individuals who wish to maintain their leadership roles should grasp and practice the principles of servant leadership," he added. "This is included in the 229 elements under the heading of Compassion."

Taylor resonates with the concept of stewardship and servant leadership.

"I see leaders as vision-sharers who empower their teams to realize that vision," she explained.

Effective leaders inspire others, maximizing individual strengths to meet collective goals.

"I focus on developing the top five leadership traits, with character, competence, and compassion at the forefront," Reid asserted. "Neglecting communication or commitment can still lead to failure."

Taylor listed her key strengths as recognizing others' capabilities, problem-solving, and enthusiasm.

Section 2.2: The Importance of Communication

According to Smarp, three-quarters of employees believe that transparent and effective communication is the most critical quality in leaders.

Ignjatovic emphasizes situational awareness, effective communication skills, and understanding people's needs.

"Being a true leader is no easy feat," she remarked. "No one is flawless, yet I question why people gravitate toward charismatic individuals who may lack true leadership qualities."

Each leader faces unique challenges.

"Upon delving deeply into the study of leadership, I discovered that many terms lack clear definitions, making it challenging to address complex issues," Reid explained. "Employing a work breakdown structure (WBS) helped clarify these terms, which I defined across all 229 elements."

A shared language can enhance understanding and proficiency.

"Establishing a common leadership lexicon is a topic I explore further in my leadership blog," Reid noted. "This approach allows us to set standards for achieving proficiency in leadership elements."

Taylor identified self-confidence as her most significant challenge.

"Dealing with unfavorable news is another hurdle," she admitted. "It never becomes easier."

Section 2.3: Striving for Authenticity

A major challenge for leaders is to remain authentic, especially if they struggle with personal integrity.

"I find it difficult to inspire others," Ignjatovic confessed. "I tend to be realistic and logical, whereas many people prefer an embellished narrative."

Diligent leaders support their colleagues by fostering mentorship and accountability.

"They can guide one another, maintain accountability, and explore resources collaboratively," Reid suggested. "Those responsible for selecting leaders should have a clear understanding of true leadership and choose individuals who are genuinely committed to their leadership journeys."

Another beneficial approach is to cultivate an internal perspective.

"Leaders should identify potential leaders within their teams and provide them with support," Taylor advised. "Mentoring and sharing strengths is vital."

Ignjatovic added that leaders should dedicate time to empower fellow leaders.

Emerging leaders have a variety of resources at their disposal.

"While not a specific resource, I encourage you to find and join a small group of fellow leaders facing similar challenges," Taylor suggested. "Regular meetings can foster sharing of challenges and solutions."

Ignjatovic recommended starting with resources that present challenges, as every path is unique.

"I definitely encourage you to explore Sustained Leadership WBS and begin mapping your personal leadership journey," Reid said. "Additionally, I invite you to enroll in the online course to invigorate your leadership path."

"Don't forget to find those three mentors," he concluded.

The second video, "How World Class Leaders Think: The Secrets of the Best | John Maxwell," reveals essential insights into the mindset of exceptional leaders and their approaches to overcoming challenges.