Friday, September 01, 2006

Character & Success

According to Steven Covey, many success literatures show that character is the determining factor. And I am not surprised. I do believe that character determines success, even more so than skills or techniques. I was representing World Team Australia in a Bible college last week, and one of the speakers talked about 7 leadership perspectives, which I found very insightful. Here they are:
  1. Visionary - committed to growth, looks beyond problems to causes, and develops precise solutions to success.
  2. Teacher - imparts wisdom, maturity, and skill to others, validates direction; and ensures completeness.
  3. Server - sees and meets others' practical needs, frees them to accomplish their goals, and invests time and energy in their success.
  4. Organiser - visualises final results and directs resources for the successful completion of goals.
  5. Mediator - deeply loyal and compassionate, analysing the benefits and problems of a given direction.
  6. Idealist - seeks excellence in thought, word, and deed; identifies problems as they arise and speaks truth boldly.
  7. Provider - resourceful, prudent, and thrifty, constantly ensuring the best use of all available resources.

What do you think? And if you are a leader, what kind of leader are you?

13 comments:

Radagast said...

I like your comments on leadership (thank you for commenting on my post on the subject).

But "character determines success"? Surely God determines success?

Kitty Cheng said...

Yes surely God determins success. I guess what was mentioned here is a Christ like character.

Ross said...

Despite his being a Mormon, Covey appears to have some valid things to say about leadership. Thanks for sharing that, Kitty.

Kitty Cheng said...

Hi Ross, is Covey a Mormon? I didn't know that. But it's true that his books about leadership are pretty good. I like the 7 habits of highly effective people.

audrey` said...

I'm contented to be just a follower of Christ =P

Ross said...

Yes, it appears so.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/2004-11-08-covey-usat_x.htm

Kitty Cheng said...

Hi Audrey, you set a great leader example to me as a follower of Christ :D

Kitty Cheng said...

Ross, that's an interesting article. Thanks for letting me know.

Radagast said...

Maybe I should rewrite this to fit those 7 categories...

Kitty Cheng said...

Radagast, 'this' is an interesting essay, but how does it fit those 7 categories?

audrey` said...

Awww... Kitty :)
You're a greater leader example to me as a follower of Christ =D

Radagast said...

"how does it fit those 7 categories?" -- it doesn't, but I'd like to rewrite it as a set of 7 prayers for people of those types:

Visionaries = eyes of the Body.
Teachers = mouth of the Body.
Servers = hands of the Body.
Organisers = ?
Mediators = ?
Idealists = imagination of the Body.
Providers = ?

Kitty Cheng said...

Great points Radagast!
How about:
Organisers = brain of the Body
Mediators = bridge of the Body
Providers = heart of the Body.