Dear "Impact" Colleague'

Think of the most successful leaders and how they impacted society for good. This issue of On-the-Go eTA provides some quick ideas for effective leaderhip. Click on the titles on the right to read about...

Charismatic Leaders

Relevant Skills

Beneficial Mentors

If you need expert assistance for help with your leadership questions' you can still contact Campaign Consultation' Inc. at OnTheGo@CampaignConsultation.com.

NOTE: On-the-Go eTA' your online sustainability resource now comes to you on the third Tuesday of each month

Charismatic Leaders

Leadership goes beyond natural abilities. You can learn and practice effective leadership skills. Consider the leadership characteristics below:

Leader Characteristic	Description
Experience	Only after walking the path ourselves are we able to direct someone else to personal success. Remember that both good and bad experiences present learning opportunities.
Flexibility and Ability to Adjust to Changes	Effective leadership demands a constant process of adjusting to innovative opportunities. Be detailed-oriented enough to know whether objectives are being met or the course is correct' but not so detail-oriented that you 'miss the forest for the trees.'
Continuous Learning	Leaders constantly look for better ways to do things. In order to effectively delegate tasks and responsibilities' continue to focus on your goals and keep your own leadership skills sharp.
Communication Skills	The skills of listening' speaking and writing are necessary for effective leaders. Accept and even welcome input from others' even if they are critical. It is a way to make the situation better or yourself more effective. Be open about expressing your motivations.
Collaboration	Leaders do not work in a vacuum. Work with others to set goals' develop schedules' and build buy-in.
Positive Attitude	Leaders are optimistic' resilient' and hopeful' despite setbacks. When faced with a problem' view it as a challenge. When faced with a setback' view it as a new direction. When told "no" say "Maybe not now, but I may try again later."
Integrity	Leaders are true to their word-and if they can't keep their word they will let you know why they cannot Be a consistent role model. Set a good example of honesty and trustworthiness. Do what is morally and ethically right. Do not abuse management privileges.
Responsibility	Leaders take responsibility for their own actions and for the actions of those they lead. Admit when you are wrong and acknowledge those who are right. Don't be afraid to apologize.
Courage	Leaders are willing to confront opposition. Do not give in to pressure or to others' opinions.
Build Enduring Relationships	Leaders maintain strong relationships with those whom they have worked with successfully in the past. Keep in mind that you may encounter a colleague in another capacity and you may need his or her support.

Click here to read an article that appeared recently in The Washington Post about the leadership potential of national service alumni.

Relevant Skills

Here are 10 of the hottest skills to stay relevant to your community:

Adapted from Zen and the Art of Making a Living

Beneficial Mentors

Developing a mentor relationship with another individual helps in developing you as a leader. This relationship can be short or long-term. Here are some good guidelines to finding and benefiting from the right mentor.

What a mentor does:

• Serves as a role model
  
  
• Helps you set goals and follow them through.
  
  
• Makes connections and introduces you to other professionals
  
  
• Serves as a sounding board for your ideas
  
  
• Helps you to identify and work with your strengths and weaknesses
  
  
• Provides a fresh perspective -- a new way of looking at a problem or issue
  
  
• Motivates you to do your best work
  
  

Click here to learn more about the search for the right mentor.

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