One of our favourite phrases around our office is this: Great leaders learn from great leaders.

Through our work with inspiring leaders, leadership speakers and our clients, leading organizations around the world, we have learned that leadership is not simply for those at the top. Leaders are found at any and every level within an organization, motivating those around them.

Through their years of work with companies like  Disney, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, Microsoft, Starwood Hotels, Toyota,  DHL, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Boeing, Procter & Gamble, Fidelity, Fedex these speakers have worked with the best leaders in the world. We asked these, our most requested keynote speakers on Leadership to complete this phrase:

“A leader with great character always _________________________.”

Here is what they had to say:

Mike Abrashoff, the Former Commander of USS Benfold, believes that leaders who encourage teamwork are the most effective. As he says, a leader “gives their crew credit for every success and takes ownership of any failure.”

Creating a culture of teamwork is essential to the development of leadership at all levels. Kevin Brown, Leadership & Accountability speaker, explains that in order to do this, leaders must put potential before popularity to help people discover their true potential. By doing so, an individual becomes not only a popular leader, but a beloved mentor. 

The shift from leader to mentor begins with trust. As Terence Mauri, Innovation and Leadership speaker, says, “Leaders must understand that trust is the ultimate human currency and North Star for navigating the future!”

Leadership is a Privilege

Leadership & Diversity Keynote Speaker Kaplan Mobray takes this one step further. “Leadership is a privilege,” he notes, “and appreciation is one of the greatest forms of respect. The opportunity to shape how people think, work, advance their lives and careers is one of the highest honors one can have.” 

Recognizing the importance of what the people you lead do, by saying something as simple as “thank you” will inspire greater levels of performance and brings out the best in an individual’s contribution. 

Communication & Leadership Keynote Speaker Phil M. Jones  touches on the importance of a great mindset in leaders, commenting that a “true leader remains optimistic about the future.” 

Be Curious

Like Communication & Change Keynote Speaker Colette Carlson, this optimism is not blind faith, rather a curiosity of what is to come and how to rise to the challenge at hand.  

Colette comments: “Always asking why and being open to alternatives allows for innovation, less biased communication and diversity of thought. Leaders who embraced curiosity these past 18 months are leading the way and leading their culture toward greatness.”

Phil agrees, adding that a true leader seeks to understand before casting judgment, allowing the openness within a team that invites creativity and innovation. 

Leadership requires many strengths, and arguably the most important of those is the ability to inspire a team. We have remarkable keynote speakers who can help your leaders be even better.

To learn more about what a great Keynote Speaker can do for your organization contact [email protected]

Derek Sweeney is the Director of Speaker Ideas at The Sweeney Agency www.thesweeneyagency.com. For 15 years Derek has been helping clients find the right Speakers for their events. Derek can be reached at 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected]