Every leader faces times, when he is presented with a variety of options and alternatives, and must CONSIDER the best way to proceed, based on priorities, goals, perceptions, needs, goals, and potential ramifications, and sustainable solutions! How he proceeds, and his focus, often, determine, whether he provides meaningful, effective, relevant, sustainable leadership, versus merely, accepting the path, of least resistance, and the same – old, same – old, ways! With that in mind, this article will briefly, attempt to review, consider, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it matters.

1. Character; clarity; choices; creative: How do we measure the character of a leader? While there are many essential factors, and considerations, it must begin with the willingness, to discuss his reasoning, with the utmost clarity, and explaining his choices, and why he believes, it’s the best approach, for the well – being of the group! However, one must also, avoid the same – old, same – old, paths of least resistance, expanding his personal comfort, and looking for creative alternatives, and solutions!

2. Options; open – minded; opinions: Great leaders consider as many viable, relevant options and alternatives, as possible and available, with an open – mind! He must be ready, willing, and able to differentiate his opinions, from actual facts!

3. Needs; nerve; nuances: True leadership must focus on, and emphasize needs, priorities, and goals, and the leader, must possess the nerve, to proceed, based on what’s best, rather than, merely, popular! The best approach, is to be ready, willing and able, to utilize all appropriate nuances, to serve the specific organization, and constituents!

4. Service; sustainable; system; solutions: Only when actual service, is the highest priority, and one considers, creates, develops, and implements, a system for success, in a relevant, sustainable manner, seeking solutions, does one become a real leader!

5. Ideas; ideology; imagination; integrity: Leaders must maintain absolute integrity, even when taking some short – cut, might be more convenient, and/ or, easier! Ideas must be based on the core ideology, and heritage/ vision/ mission, of the group, and a real leader must possess a quality imagination, rather than being limited by the same – old, same – old!

6. Delve deeply; discover; deliver: The willingness and ability to delve deeply, in order to discover, the best way to deliver on one’s promises, differentiates real leaders, from the rest – of – the – pack!

7. Empathy; emphasis; excellence; endurance: Effectively listen, and learn from every conversation and experience, so you may proceed, with the utmost degree of genuine empathy! This must direct one’s emphasis, so he might proceed, with the excellence, your constituents need, and deserve! Remember, it’s not about the easiest way, or the quickest, but understanding, great leaders possess and proceed with a high degree of endurance!

8. Relevant; responsive/ responsible; realistic: Avoid getting stuck in the past, and pursue the most relevant approaches! A leader must be responsive to the needs, perceptions, and priorities, and become a responsible leader! While one must possess idealism, he must also be, pragmatic, enough, to be realistic!

How will you CONSIDER the best course of action, to pursue? Are you the right person, to serve, as a leader?