Be Honest * Tell truth. Lies demean teller more than they fool listener. * Act with integrity. Make decisions as if you had to deal with all of consequences, treat others with respect, and choose actions that add value for everyone.

Provide Data * Tell stories that show past achievements. Quote compliments. * Collect data. Keep a victory file of successes, testimonial letters, and other good news. If necessary, ask for testimonials, references, and compliments. * Create data. Plan good deeds that lead to complimentary stories.

Take High Road * Help others perform at their best. Give without expecting a return favor. * Do good things because that makes world a better place. * Show courage during uncertainty. * Seek good in others. * Trust others, because this shows that you expect to be trusted.

2) Notice what list excludes. Absent from this list (and all lists from other programs) are characteristics such as stern, mean, serious, short tempered, vindictive, tough, angry, harsh, punitive, controlling, violent, or ruthless. And that's interesting because many popular representations of leadership emphasize at least one of these "hard" characteristics. In fact, these characteristics are refuge of those who lack strength (or skills) to apply human side of leadership.

3) How about you? How would you rate yourself as a leader compared to list of positive characteristics? If you were to survey people who report to you, how would they describe your leadership? Would they list characteristics from "soft" list or from "hard" list? Could you become more effective by improving upon any of "soft" characteristics? And how about other leaders in your organization? Do they truly maximize human potential?

People want leaders who treat them with genuine compassion, courtesy, and respect. They want leaders who help them become more successful. They want leaders who inspire them with a vision for a better world and show them how to go there.