Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Deck the Halls with 5 Business Practices that Could Improve Your Holiday Season

I had an epiphany about my business and personal life recently.  I realized that I don't approach both with the same ferver.   At this time of year, most of us connect with loved ones and see people we may not have seen in a while.  It's a good time to remember some business principles that also apply out of the office.
1. Show patience and understanding.  When I speak with clients I listen carefully and I'm empathetic.  I look for ways that I can serve and assist them.  At this time of year, in particiular, I may not always do that with relatives.  Don't be rushed or anxious with loved ones this season.
2.  Be consistent and commited.  My clients get the best of me.  I answer when they call.  I respond quickly to emails.  I make myself available to them and I look forward to doing so. It's important to be the same way in personal relationships.
3.  Give them your time.   I call my clients on a regular basis.  I send articles I think they would be interested in reading.  I  keep up with and acknowledge their accomplishments.  I've been know to drop by with cupcakes unexpectedly as well.  My loved ones deserve this kind of treatment too and so do yours.
4. Value them. You probably already know the importance of your business partners, clients,  customers, and peers.  Most of us understand that these people are essential to our success.  We most likely treat them with respect and consideration.  We let them know they are special.  For example, most of us have brought treats into the office to share with co-workers at one time or another. When was the last time you dropped off goodies to a neighbor, friend, or relative? 
5.  Apologize when something goes wrong.  In business, we're likely to apologize to an unhappy customer.  Even when we aren't completely at fault, we strive to make it right.  We want conflicts resolved and problems solved in the workplace.  That isn't always the approach outside of work however.
Is there a relationship that needs mending in your family?  Are you willing to take the first step toward restoration?  If so, the holiday season is a perfect time.  It's a time of peace, joy, unity and love!



Sunday, October 11, 2015

Navigating Rough Waters - Life Lessons From A Harrowing Experience

A group of family and friends recently went whitewater rafting.  They took a three-hour guided tour down a fairly agressive east Tennessee river.  During the trip they encountered a number of category III and IV rapids.  On the international scale of river difficulty -- yes, that's a real thing -- there are six categories.  Category IV rapids are advanced.  They are described as "powerful, but predictable; requiring precise handling."  It was a crisp, fall-like afternoon and everyone was having a blast.  It's amazing how quickly things can change. 


During one of those advanced rapids in the early part of the trip, one lady's husband was tossed out of the boat, sank underwater, and in a millisecond, was in greater danger than any realized, at the time.   Because of the speed and forcefulness of the rapids, the husband was completely submerged in an instant, even with his life jacket on.  His wife noticed the bright orange vest beneath the water's surface.  She reached for it, pulling his head above the water.  She knew she needed to wait until they reach a more calm patch of water before she could help him back onboard.  Their guide continued to navigate the rough water and tried to avoid large rocks while the man's wife held on to her husband and watched him bobbing up and down in the river.  A couple of times he was completely underwater again but she held on to him, telling him he would be okay and reminding him to keep his feet and head up.  She knew that it would be disasterous if he got caught between rock or pinned under the raft.


She was careful to shield his head from rocks with her paddle and with her hands, knowing that he could be knocked unconscious if he hit one of them.  She also knew that if she let him go, he would float quickly away from them and he might get trapped between rocks or entangled in thick tree roots.  If that happened he would surely drown.   A few times he screamed out in pain as his limbs slammed into jagged rocks, and his wife hoped he hadn't broken any bones.  The ordeal seems to go on for an hour, although it was probably less than five minutes.  After they reached calmer waters, she was able to pull her husband, who literally weighs twice as much as she does, back into the vessel.  It was a close call;  he never realized how endangered he was, but she did, especially after talking it over with the tour guide afterwards. The man had a few bloody scraps and scratches, and bruises on his arms legs and back.  Although they enjoyed the rest of the rafting excursion, the wife had nightwares about how close she came to loosing her husband or aleast having him badly injured.  This true story, which I witness with my own eyes, got me thinking about a few things that can perpel us past our circustances or keep us stuck in them. 


CHOICES
In your life there is probably someone you need to help back inside the boat; someone who's off course, doing something dangerous, or just needs a lifeline to get through their current situation.   There will be times when you need to help somone out of a tough spot.  At times it will be instinctive; you will spring into action without giving it a thought.  Other times you will have to contemplate and consciously decide to help. 

RISK
When you decide to take a chance in building a relationship, personal and professional, there are three things you must consider:  Is the risk worth it?   That means asking yourself, what could you gain if this goes well and what could you loose if it doesn't.  Is the relationship worth it?  Is your present and future dealings with this individual important enough to you to make the effort.  What's in it for you?  Maybe it will be a sense of self worth, improved confidence, a better relationship, or peace of mind.  Even when you take a risk for someone else's good, you reap benefits too. 

STRENGTH
How can a wife be stronger than a raging river?  How can a average-sized woman single-handedly lift a large man into a boat?  In the right circumstances, we are stronger than we ever thought.  We can do things we never imagined.  In short, anything is possible.  Will and perserverance probably contributed to your success -- maybe it was your own, maybe it was someone elses. 

GRATITUDE
Although the rafting wife worked hard to keep her husband safe, she recognized and  appreciate help. The tour guide helped her by steering the boat away from danger.  As a Christian woman, she believes that her Creator provided her with the strength she needed to endure, as well.  She was also grateful to the other rafters, who couldn't physically help but encouraged her during and comforted her afterwards.  An attitude of gratitude helps one stay humble. 

The next time you reach rough waters what will you do?  I recommend you make sage
choices, calculate the risks, embrace your inner strength, and stay grateful. 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Getting the Job You Want by Preparing Five Interview Questions



It's that time of year again.   Students are graduating.  Job fairs are scheduled.  Companies are recruiting.   If you're in the market for a new job, or know someone who is, here are some tips for your next interview.

Three questions you need to answer effectively:

What are your weaknesses?: Prepare for a genuine response when you're asked about a mistake, a unfavorable outcome, or a weakness.  Don't say you don't have any.  Being able to identify your own shortcomings,  show are are self reflective, honest, and continually learning and growing.  Saying you've never make a mistake indicates denial and a false sense of self.  My 'go-to' answer is that I want to be a better listener (which is true).  I also state that I'm working on it and asking peers for feedback.

Tell me about yourself?:  It's not the most effective interview question, because it's quite vague.  However, there are interviewers who sometimes ask it.  Your perspective employee is not trying to find out where you're from or how many siblings you have.  Your best answer will include the following:  your chosen profession/field, a couple of areas of expertise, and a strength or two.  You might also include a recent job-related accomplishment. A well-crafted answer might sound like this:

"I'm a trainer and HR consultant with 20 years experience.  I specialize in career planning and organizational development.  I'm a strong verbal communicator and I have proven strategic planning skills as well.  I recently used my expertise to help a client resolve an severe debilitating staff conflict and develop better team building methods."

What are your salary expectations?:  Don't be caught off guard by this question.  Do you're research on salary.com or the US Department of Labor website.  There are a few preferable ways to answer this one.  Give the hiring person a salary range, which can span $10,000 - $15,000. That may seem like a large range, but most employers are flexible and you should be too.  You might also tell them your salary expectations, based on what you know about the job/company.  You don't have to limit yourself to what you last salary was.  Lastly, consider a deferral.  Tell the interviewer you need to learn more about the position before you can state a salary requirement.  Ask to revisit the question at the end of the interview.

Two questions to ask your perspective employer:


  • 'In your employee survey, what is one thing your employees would change about this organization?'  This will give you an idea of what concerns and challenges they have.  It gives you insight into employee satisfaction as well.  It also shows that you want to make sure this workplace is a good fit for you.  


  • 'If I were to take this position what is the top priority you would want me to accomplish in the my first 90 days on the job?'  This will tell you about any loose ends left by the last person in the position.  It will also enlighten you on any 'fires' that will need your immediate attention.

Find out more about upcoming career workshops.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

The Learning Position: Embracing My Place


In my family I consider myself to be in the learning position.  I’m the last born of three kids and that provided lots of opportunities to learn, particularly from my brothers’ mistakes.  I heard them talk back to our parents, which didn’t go well for them.   I saw them wreck cars, and loose credibility in the process.  I also watched them get in trouble at school, and get grounded.   I think it’s great to learn from your own mistakes, but it’s even better to learn from the mistakes of others. Because my brothers are 10 and 15 years older that me, we weren’t really growing up together.  They were growing up before my eyes and I was their spectator watching the whole dramatic episode unfold.  I learned to ride a bike, drive a car, and play musical instruments;  I can sketch and paint because of their influence as well.  They are very talented.  I thought I must be talented too because we all come from the same stock.  So, I tried things I might not have tried if it hadn’t been for them.  Additionally, I’m pretty good with a hammer, wretch, and drill because of what I learned growing up in that household.  I was even the youngest girl on my block (except for one girl who was my same age).   From the older girls in the neighborhood, I learned to do hair and nails, I learned style and fashion, I learned a lot about music, school, and of course, about boys.  I also watched them experience loss, betrayal, and disappointments at home, school, and work.  I watched how they responded, reacted, and persevered.  Of course, watching someone else’s heartbreak didn’t preclude me from it.  But, I knew how to handle it with grace, once it was my turn.  And I knew it wouldn’t last forever.  All their experiences and my observations helped me figure out what I wanted for my life.  It set me on a path to education, entrepreneurship, and community activism. Additionally, I am the youngest granddaughter in my family – on both sides.   Having 30 first cousins who are all older than me, is a unique experience. I continued to leverage my learning position as I watch them get married, have kids, begin careers, get promoted, and start businesses.   I also watched some of them drop out of school, experiment with drugs, and struggle financially.  Because of them, I knew exactly what to do to get a job, and what to do to loose one.  I chose the former.  I learned that dreams really do come true, but usually not while you’re sleeping.  And, now, I teach kids in my life that they can do anything they want and have anything they want – with work, perseverance and preparation.  I realize everyone doesn't learn, even when they are in a learning position.  One must be willing, humble, and curious.  I would venture that no matter what your position, there is an opportunity to learn.  Are you open to it?

Optimize Behaviors of Authentic Leaders

Career Optimizing Behaviors Authentic Leaders Perform Everyday

There are different types of leaders.   The optimal leadership type is the authentic leader.  This leader is doing this for and with his/her followers; not to them.  This leader is a part of the team not above the team.  And, this leader must is committed to practicing effective leadership behavior to be successful and stay on top of their game.  Consistency in a few proven practices is what can easily set apart an effective leader from a ineffective one. 

1. Read
Research shows that reading non-fiction material, l like leadership articles or self-help books, helps to increase your problem solving and critical thinking abilities. Some leaders have sworn off the reading of novels and other fictional accounts as frivolous and time wasting.  On the contrary, research also indicates that reading fictional books creates more empathy, creativity and compassion.  This are useful qualities for a leader who seeks to be trusted and respected. The experts recommend: Read news and current events every day.  Read two non-fiction books each quarter and at least two works of fiction each year.

2. Ask.
If you are in sales, you ask for the business. If you have a boss, you ask for permission or clarification (among other things). If you are on a team, you might ask for support or seek collaboration. As a leader, you should be asking your team what they need from you Also, you have to encourage your team to ask questions as well.  Let them know that no inquiry is too minor or elementary. The experts recommend: During every team meeting you conduct, do more asking than telling.  Also rotate the meeting facilitator role amongst the team members.  Giving others a chance to plan the agenda gives them a chance to be heard and voice their concerns.

3. Make Decisions Creatively.
Even when you brainstorm we can get caught in ‘group think’.  Group think suggests that when a group is sharing ideas together everyone tends to share similar or complimentary ideas.  No one objects or contradicts anyone else’s thoughts.  Which means no one dares to be creative or innovative.  Consider gathering team members’ ideas individually and privately.  Give one or two people in each brainstorming session the responsibility of playing devils advocate. This gives them permission to push and question. Consider opposing viewpoints, and processing solutions other than your own. You'll need to review pros and cons for each possibility. The experts recommend: Come up with 3 solutions to a problem. Write down risks and gains for each of them before making a final decision. Do this with your team member, rather than with other people in supervisory roles.

4. Collaborate.
Work with others on teams as often as you can.  Make networking a habit, and be willing to help others with their projects and priorities. Look for opportunities to engage with others because you will learn from them. New relationship and growing connections are an important tool for staying relevant.  The experts recommend: Volunteer for a task force, focus committee, or affinity group.  Join a nonprofit organization and tends meetings.  Maybe even volunteer to be a speaker or panelist, if you’re skilled in that arena. 

5. Take Care.
No one wants to work for a rundown, unhappy leader. It affects the dynamic, momentum and morale of the team. And, as a result it can also affect team performance. If you find yourself continually stressed out and it shows, it's time to take a different approach. The experts recommend: Engage in a 15-minute de-stressor activity twice a day, everyday. This might include a walk, meditating in your car, or reading something 'light'.

When you manage your time, your team, and your talents this way, you have an increased opportunity to earn the respect and trust of your followers, whether they are volunteers, employees, peers, constituents, board members, or other affiliates.  You will earn their hearts not just their efforts.  This will drive sustainable performance and engagement in your organization.  It will also set an outstanding example.

www.yourenhance.com | Enhance Business Solutions, llc is your source for training, coaching, employee development, and leadership skills improvement.
Angela Nelson | consultant and chief learning officer


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Happiness Generators

A recently released book on happiness suggests that there are five things that people can do to make themselves happier.   The author of Happiness by Design conducted research which reveals that these five activities increase one’s happiness:   listening to music, spending more time with friends, trying something new, being outdoors, and helping someone else. I like to call these practices 'Happiness Generators'.

In my talent management experience, I've discovered that life's happiness generators are very similar to the elements that create engagement and satisfaction in employees.   The first happiness generator the author supports is listening to music.  That’s because it’s stimulates the brain.  Employees, likewise, need stimulation.  That can come in the form of a challenging assignment or interesting project. Employees also like knowing that they are doing something meaningful.   

Another happiness factor mentioned in the book was spending time with friends.  In the workplace we benefit in many ways from teamwork and collaboration.  We learn from each other, support each other, or even develop meaningful relationships that transcend work.  We become better thinkers, problem solvers, and communicators.  Even a person who has an isolated job needs occasional interaction with others. Granted, everyone doesn’t prefer teamwork, but they still benefit from it.  

The author also mentions trying new things as a means of increasing happiness.  For employees, new assignments, tasks, or projects can be motivating.  I’m not suggesting you dump even more work on an already overwhelmed, under-resourced team member.   Rather, identify a person who performs a repetitive role and give her a chance to be exposed to something different.  It can be just the thing to get her out of a rut, and drive her towards higher levels of productivity.  It also signals to employees that you trust them and care about their development.   

Being outdoors is another way to achieve a happier existence.  Sometimes it’s just a simple change of scenery that can help an employee recharge their commitment and revive their performance.  I’ve surveyed participants in many of my workshops who told me they are at their best – creative, focused, and content – when they are going things other than work.  They told me they are at their best when they are jogging, gardening, or sunbathing.  That tells me that the great outdoors can have a great impact.  For most businesses, it’s not realistic to allow employees to work outside all day. Nevertheless, many of Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work sponsor or support – onsite and offsite picnics, outdoor concerts, walking clubs, and jogging groups.  

The last happiness generator discussed in Happiness By Design is helping someone else.  Making a difference in the lives just feels good.  There is a natural sense of pride and satisfaction in service.  It also helps a person be less self-absorbed, at least for the time being.  If you have an employee that’s disgruntled and whiny, find him a work-related community service project to help him focus on something besides himself.


These principles work with employees, team members, associates, board members and even volunteers. Giving them something more increases the likelihood that they will give you something more in return.  They’ll be better poised to give you their best efforts and best results everyday. 

Monday, May 25, 2015

Four Commitments Influential People Make Daily

L.E.A.D. by example 

The purpose of the LEAD model is to serve and motivate. These four actions can help you increase trust, strengthen relationships, deepen collaboration and engagement.  

Listen - Learn the concerns of others through active listing. Allow what they tell you to influence you. That means be open to discovering new perspectives and opinions. Someone might share a better approach to solving a problem or improving a process if you're willing to hear them. 

Empower - Give autonomy as appropriate. This builds confidence and self reliance. Don't over supervise.  Assess how much independence a person can handle based on their competence and commitment on each task.

 
Acknowledge -  Don't hold back on praise, recognition, and appreciation.  Simple expressions are easiest and best.  Give congratulations publicly.  Write thank you notes. Reinforce best-practice behavior by telling others specifically what they did right.

 
Develop - Coaching and continual feedback is essential for performance and development. Help your team figure out a specific plan to improve a process, increase customer interaction, or have more effective meetings.  Tackle only one or two areas of improvement at a time.  

 
Leadership is something you do with and forpeople; not to them.  When you LEAD you increase competence and grow commitment.  The sky is the limit.

We teach the LEAD model in our REACH workshop. Learn more.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Followership is the NEW Leadership

Leadership vs Follower-ship

Often, we hear about the importance of leadership.  Some of the most popular articles trending recently:

Five things great leaders do every day.  
What effective leaders do during the first 10 minutes of their day.
10 Steps to better leadership

These are all important topics and valuable skills to master.  What we don't hear a lot about, however, is what it takes to be a good followerFollowership is equally important for an organization and for a leader as well. Even as a leader you won't get to be in charge in every situation.

Here's what it takes to be a great follower.

Humility -  It takes courage to be humble.  When we are humble we are willing to be in service and of service to others.  We are willing to be told what to do rather than doing the telling. 

Listening - Listen to understand. That's a pretty common theory. To go one step further we must listen to be influenced.  Listen in such a deep and thoughtful way that you could have an ah-ha moment, learn something, or experience a chance in perspective. 

Compromise - You can't win them all. Sometimes when working with others, an idea will surface that is not yours and/or you don't particularly support. Even if you're not 100% comfortable with the direction you should be 100 percent committed. That means you will give your all to make that idea or solution a success even though it's not the idea that you preferred. 
 
Objectivity – See the good in other people's ideas.  Also, be willing to share your ideas and be able to have those ideas critiqued as well. Be your own devil’s advocate too.


Trust - We could spend the whole day talking about trust.  You can get business done without it, but you can get business done much better with high levels of trust. Trust changes our willingness to share. It changes relationships by making them more collaborative. People get things done faster when there is less suspicion and doubt.  Allow others to earn your trust by showing you what they are capable of doing. You must be willing to extend trust and earn trust as well.  

The process is not linear.  It's cyclical and dependent.  It takes humility to trust and listen.  You must be objective to compromise and trust.  Listening will help you compromise and remain objective.  All the traits of the great follower work together.  Practice them all every day; even while you lead.

Enhance Business Solutions is a training and performance improvement firm specializing in coaching, leadership and employee development. 
www.yourenhance.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

UNLOCK THEIR POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCE

Motivating Skills of Successful Leadership

Part of leading people is driving them. When leaders know and address their drivers, optimal performance happens.

You need these three keys to unlock their potential by motivating them.

Identification.
Want to know what the team is motivated by? Ask them.  Observe their highs and lows as well.  You'll  start to recognize when they are at their best.  Also pay attention to their requests and needs.  That tells you what's important to them.

Adaptation.
Be aware of when something changes. When leadership, team members, repsonsibilities, or policies change, leaders should evaluate how that has impacted the motivation on the team.  Ask questions, and listen to be influenced.

Execution.
When you find out about some thing your team needs and you are in a position to influence or provide it, please do so.  If they value recognition, say thank you when they achieve a milestone. If they need variety, assign them to different committees outside and in addition to their main role.  If they want to feel valued, invest in their development by sending them to school.

These are the things that keep a team willing and able to give their best work sustainably.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Seven Ways to Stay In Touch

Connected, but not Connecting.

Most Americans have at least two communication devices with them most of the time.  We are frequently updating our Facebook statuses, Instagram posts, and Twitter feeds.  We are connected all the time, but as a society, we're not connecting with others as much as we once did.   Just because you share your workout routine or post a picture of your famous meatloaf, doesn't mean you are building relationships.  Here are some quick and easy ways to reach out and connect with others, using the tools at your fingertips right now.  



1.   Send a Linkedin message. Send a message to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Find out how their day, week, or year is going.  Ask them what's new in their world.   

2.  Send a text.  I'm not talking about a group text that you forward to the masses.  A genuine connection is made when you send a one on one message, using the person's name, and letting them know you're thinking about them.

3.  Say Happy Birthday.  Your Google+, Facebook, and/or Linkedin page will probably keep you informed of when birthdays occur.  Use that information to reach out. You might even send an e-card.

4.  Congratulate.  And, if you have any social media outlet, you are kept informed of who's graduation, who's getting marriage, and who's been promoted.  Let them know you're paying attention and care about their good fortune.

5.  Inform.  If you read an article, book, post, or blog that you think would be useful to someone, share it with them.  This goes beyond sharing something with all your followers, friends, or contact.  Craft a personal message.  For example, let your friend Julie know that you saw the article about raising twins in Tennessee and thought about her little Gretchen and Greg.  

6.  Follow up.  We've all done it.  You run into an old colleague at the bank or pharmacy, and you promise to be in touch or get together.  Well, do it.  Call, email or text them 

7.  Invite.  If you're going to a luncheon, networking event, or even a garden show, contact an associate who you think might enjoy that experience.  Let them know you would love to see them there.  You don't have to ask for a commitment to attend; they will be happy to know you considered them.

Angela Nelson
www.yourenhance.com  |  Enhance Business Solutions is your source for leadership coaching, career skills, employee development, and training.  

Five Critical Leadership Skills You Need Now

1. Read.

Research shows that reading non-fiction material like leadership articles or self-help books, help increase your problem solving and critical thinking abilities.  Reading fiction creates more empathy, which is also useful as a leader.   
Recommendation:  read two non-fiction and one fiction item, per quarter.

2. Ask.

If you are in sales, you ask for the business.  If you have a boss, you ask for permission or information.  If you're on a team, you might ask for suport.  As a leader, do you ask your team what they need from you and do you encourage them to ask questions as well?  
Recommendation:  During any team meeting, do more asking than telling.    

3. Make Decisions Creatively.

This includes gathering other's ideas, considering opposing viewpoints, and processing solutions other than your own.  You'll need to review pros and cons for each possibility.
Recommendation:  Come up with 3 solutions to a problem.  Write down risks and gains for each of them before making a final decision.

4. Collaborate.

Work with others on team, network, and be willing to help.  Even if your job requires mostly solo work, look for opportunities to engage with others.
Recommendations:  volunteer for a task force, focus committee, or affinity group. 

5.  Take Care.

No one wants to work for a rundown, unhappy leader.  It affects the dynamic, momentum and morale of the team.  And, as a result it can also affect team performance.  If you find yourself continually stressed out and it shows, it's time to take a different approach.
Recommendation:  Engage in a 15-minute de-stressor activity twice a day, everyday.  This might include a walk, meditating in your car, or reading something 'light'.

www.yourenhance.com
 Enhance Business Solutions, llc is your source for training, coaching, employee development, and leadership skills improvement.

Angela Nelson
consultant and chief learning officer

Friday, February 20, 2015

Five Rules of the Real Work World

5 Rules of the Real World of Work

Dress Code:  If you would wear it when you are home sick, do not wear it to work.  No matter how casual the work environment, it is always appropriate to look neat and put-together.  75% of a first impression is based on appearance, research shows.  Your choice of clothing should show that you care about your appearance and your career.

Advancement:  Raises and promotions are earned not given.  Assess what you’re offering to your employer or even your clients.  If there is something they need or care about that you're not providing, start working today to fill in the gaps.

Etiquette:  Your cell phone is off limits unless you’re on break.
Continually checking your text messages or emails is just impolite and unprofessional; even if you're a millennial.  Lunch with your boss, a staff meeting, or a conversation with a client is not the time to check your text messages or emails.

Performance:  Perfection is not expected but attention to detail is.  Mistakes will happen but they should not happen due to carelessness. Double check your work.  Proofread your writing.  Always strive for accuracy.  Simply put, be conscientious.

Initiative:  Even if you did not cause the problem, you can find the solution. Offer up ideas for resolving issues with products, services, clients, and even within your team.  All your ideas probably won’t be utilized.  Nevertheless, others will notice your efforts and initiative.


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Presidential Qualities

Monday was President's Day, even though for most of the country it was overshadowed by record snowfall and frigid temps.  It was originally instated to honor Presidents Washington and Lincoln.  In fact, it generally occurs on or around Washington's birthday which is February 22nd.  Like many of you, I've been snowed in most of the week.  So, I spent a few moments reflecting on President's Day.  In my reflection, I identified Four Core Competencies that Make Presidents Credible.

Honesty

President Lincoln was called "Honest Abe".  George Washington was credited with never telling a lie.  Conversely, Presidents Clinton and Nixon are remembered for untruths they told. Honesty, or the lack of it, leaves an impression.  
Real honesty is telling the truth even when it doesn't benefit you.  People will eventually see through deceitfulness, falsehoods, and flattery.  These forms of trickery can destroy the credibility of a leader, while integrity builds lifelong trust and respect.

Commitment

Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio at age 39. Though he was paralyzed from the waist down Roosevelt continued to serve as the Governor of New York and went on to serve a record four terms as President.
Unquestionably, leaders must be committed to be successful.  Commitment to goals is critical for progress.  Commitment to promises is essential for credibility.  In coaching sessions, I remind leaders that a commitment to serving others can make a difference in being forgotten and leaving a legacy.

Charisma

Despite his scandals, President John F. Kennedy is known for commanding a room.  Among other things, he is remembered for his charm and strong presence.  Even if you don't consider yourself to be a people person, it's important to engage, smile warmly, and show people you care.  Poise


Poise
Image result for obama
Whatever their political affiliation, most pundits agree that President Obama is cool under pressure.  He’s become notorious for his witty repartee, one liners, and quick comebacks. Even in the face of insults and name calling, he smiles, ignores the backlash, and stays focused.   As a leader you must be emotionally intelligent.  You need to effectively harness our feelings and control your responses.  This will strengthen your relationships and set you apart.