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The book, “The Leadership Challenge”, has been sold over 1.5 million copies, claimed as the most trusted source on becoming a better leader. Some critic believes that it is because the book is research-based, it is practical, and it has heart! In deed, a presentation by one of the authors, Barry Posner, showed us all.

The title of Dr. Posner’s presentation showed two sides of the same coin: What people want from their leaders or why would anyone follow you? He continued with a citation from Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” followed by another one from Edward Demming: “Change is not required … because survival is not mandatory.”

So, in this changing world, what is the simplest definition of a leader? With more than 20 years of research, Dr. Posner kept surveying people from different classes and different locations and countries. Surprisingly, the top 4 most wanted leadership characteristics always are

1. Honest
2. Competent
3. Inspiring
4. Forward-Looking

Credibility is the foundation of leadership. As Coopers & Lyband have pointed out: “Higher degree of management trust is the number one characteristic of innovative companies.”

Leadership is a relationship. Dr. Posner provided the following 7 lessons for leaders:

1. Character counts
2. Know your self
3. Grow big ears
4. Develop capacity
5. Make something happen
6. Keep hope alive
7. Show them, don’t tell them

The 4th edition of the book will be out soon, with 389 pages of lessons and ideas for leaders now and of the future. I have one with Dr. Posner’s signature. The combination of both the book and the presentation helps me identify true leaders that I have encountered through my career. They are role models, who inspire people even when they are not around.