Do I have to be a character like Patten to be a great leader?  I read books about new leaders of technology like Steve Jobs and old political leaders like Lincoln.  They seem so different, so what should I lean from them to so I can be a better leader?

You know my premise that there is always a fundamental model (framework or process) that can give you simple insight into complicated systems.  This is true for leadership.  Leadership can be learned to complement your natural traits so you can be a “conscious” leader.

Several studies have been done across organizations or businesses to determine who people identify as the best leaders.  They then go in as an observer and determine the common elements these leaders follow and capture it in a model.

I use a model I call Leadership Kinetics (seven steps in a defined sequence).  I have used it to train, coach and mentor leadership for many years with different groups, from different companies, in different cultures and different situations, and it works.  It is applicable in planning a meeting, guiding your organization or even in a enriching a two minute hall way conversation with someone you pass.  It is simple to understand, but it takes a willingness to understand and try it to effectively use it to improve your success.  Remember, I will not teach you anything that I have not used successfully myself.

So what is the first step in Leadership Kinetics?  Establishing a strategic direction.