The 7 C's: A guide to leadership

Jenna desperately wants to be promoted from her supervisor job to a manager position. In her last performance review, her boss said she needed to work on her leadership skills before that could happen. So what specifically can Jenna do to get ready for that promotion? Lots, if she first considers that all leaders are managers but not all managers are leaders.

The very nature of business today requires everyone holding a job, from supervisor through CEO, to handle the fundamentals of conducting business: planning, organizing, directing and controlling.

A business person must be able to manage, meaning to plan, organize, direct and control, things and knowledge areas, such as finances, inventory, work schedules, logistics, sales, recordkeeping, reporting, compliance, etc.

The list goes on and on and represents the nitty-gritty requirements of running a business.

Being good at management requires you to have strong hard skills: "the ability to carry out the technical and professional requirements of a job." Being good as a leader requires both hard and soft skills: "the ability to engage and interact effectively with others" (definitions courtesy of Workforce Development).

A leader touches people emotionally, bringing trust, respect, motivation and a feeling of collaboration and partnership to the organization. An effective leader touches hearts and balances that with head practices (management) to get work accomplished.

Use the 7 C's as a road map for developing your own topnotch leadership skills.

Connect. Connect with your purpose, passions, values and beliefs, then work them into your daily living in doses large or small. Take and/or make the time to connect with others to understand their point of view and heart direction. T3, a leadership company based in Durango, Colo., offers this advice: "Holding that strong connection to self, to others and to the experience ... is at the heart of great leadership."

Communicate. Engage in two-way dialogue, share freely what you know and actively listen with your head and heart to what others have to say. Assure that messages are accurately conveyed. Seek and embrace feedback. Layne and Paul Cutright, communication coaches, offer this insight, "Clearly, communication is more than words. There is also the energy of the intention behind the words. And intention is the most powerful force in any communication."

Capability. Dare yourself to stretch the limits of your potential and to inspire those around you to do the same. Seek to learn and understand beyond your comfort zone. Warren Bennis, organizational consultant and author, defines leadership as individual capability, saying, "Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well-communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential."

Compassion. Smile, laugh, care, have fun; it feels good and is good for you and those around you! Say thank you to someone every day. Express your gratitude. Max DuPree, author of "Leadership is an Art" and former CEO/chairman of the Herman Miller Corp., notes that "leadership is much more an art, a belief, a condition of the heart, than a set of things to do. The visible signs of artful leadership are expressed, ultimately, in its practice."

Courage. Take a stand for what's good and what's right, even if doing so is unpopular. Show grace under pressure. Acknowledge your fears without letting them rule your life. Be joyfully spirited. Show strength of mind and will. Consider these wise words from Winston Churchill, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Character. Choose to be a person of integrity, never afraid to be found out. Be known for the highest ethics. Show care and empathy for all. Be tolerant of differences. Embrace authenticity. Show positive drive, energy and determination. Cultivate self-discipline. An unknown sage offers this wisdom that "leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence."

Commitment. Hold yourself accountable. Dedicate yourself to finding connection, communicating, reaching for your potential, celebrating, and being courageous, sincere, caring and authentic. Stephen Gregg, chairman of Ethix Corporation, sums it up this way: "People do not follow uncommitted leaders. Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose to maintain, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at your personal sacrifice."

Using the 7 C's of leader-ship can help you focus on, believe in and execute both tasks and relationships so you get can that hoped-for promotion.

Jane Perdue is CEO of The Braithewaite Group.The Job Coaches are experienced volunteers from the Center for Women's Job Counseling Program. Ask them a question by calling 763-7333 or e-mailing info@c4women.org. If you would like further assistance, make an appointment; a donation of $10 is requested for appointments.