7 Characteristics Needed to Be A Quality PLANNER

I feel so strongly about the need to become proficient in the art of leadership planning, that my company name indicates it! In my over three decades of identifying, qualifying, training, developing and consulting, to over a thousand individuals in either potential or actual positions of leadership, I consistently focus on how to plan more effectively, and the various components, skills, and necessities involved, and/or related! One must be fully committed and disciplined, if he hopes to be planning proficiently, consistently, and with impact! Therefore, here is my mnemonic perspective of the seven characteristics needed to be a truly capable, quality PLANNER. 1. Patient; precise; perfectionist: Leaders must merely seek an okay way, to get things done, and plan for it. One must be a perfectionist in his goals and concepts, while accepting, realistically, that, while striving for perfection, one must simply strive for the best available solution, rather than merely either accepting the anything approach, or becoming overly rigid, and thus getting nothing accomplished or achieved. One of the difficult challenges is to maintain one's focus, be as precise as possible, while maintaining his patience, in order to achieve, and make progress towards goals, missions, visions, etc. 2. Listen; learn; lead: Rather than merely relying on rhetoric, and constantly lecturing and/or dominating the conversation, it is imperative to effectively listen, consider alternatives, and see things in an empathetic, service-oriented way! One only learns when he commits to a constant pursuit of learning, as much as possible, in a consistently evolving way! If you want to become a real leader, you must be ready, willing and able, to lead! 3. Attitude; aptitude; attention: You must truly believe you can! Only when one avoids negativity, and maintains a well-focused, positive attitude, is effective planning, possible! Develop the skills, abilities and self-confidence that is derived from these, and enhance your aptitude, and thus, your real potential. You must open your eyes, and pay attention to what is going on! 4. Nuanced: Forget the My way or the highway mindset! Know your group, and understand what distinguishes and differentiates it from others. Study its history, and discover what you need to understand, which might be relevant. Rather than using either the same-old, same-old approach, or the one-size-fits-all example, develop the ability to address and embrace your group's individuality, and proceed in a truly nuanced manner! 5. Needs-based: Simply stated, it isn't a meaningful plan, unless it addresses needs, concerns, priorities, and does so, in a way that addresses current issues, but does so, with a keen eye on the future! 6. Entertain alternatives; examine closely: Avoid becoming or behaving, as a rigid leader! Open your mind, and entertain alternatives, and consider them, without bias or prejudgment. Do this fully and completely, and examine all impacts, ramifications, pros and cons! 7. Relevant; rational; realistic; respect: What good is planning if it is not relevant to the needs of the organization? Ask yourself if your idea makes sense, and is rational, sensible, doable, and realistic! Respect your stakeholders, as well as the heritage of your organization, and look to enhance the group, in an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary one! If you want to be a real leader, become a quality PLANNER. It doesn't just happen, and you must plan to lead! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9259501