Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Leadership

by John Keyser

Being a gentleman (a lady) is a worthy goal.
~ Orlando Bloom

Recently a friend mentioned he is often told he is a gentleman, which I agree. That led me to think about others whom I admire and consider to be ladies and gentlemen.

These are some of the qualities I respect in others whom I consider to be ladies and gentlemen:

• thoughtfulness
• the way they carry themselves, how they show up
• integrity
• humility
• quiet confidence
• genuine care for others

In addition, ladies and gentlemen tend to be good communicators, especially:

• listening with open minds
• asking good questions
• listening a lot more than they speak

I see this message, that we are to be ladies and gentlemen – and that we are meant to serve others – lived out consistently by my classmates and fellow alums!

Does this relate to leadership?

Ladies and gentlemen live lives of integrity. They are courteous and respectful of others. They care for others, will ask how they may be of help. They are thoughtful and listen with interest. And these are exactly the qualities of a strong and effective leader!

Highly effective leadership is founded on the strength of our character and attitude. Do we have the humility, coupled with the inner-confidence to strive to get better every day, not only as a team, also individually? This means asking our team members and other colleagues for their help and honest feedback.

Our effectiveness as leaders also requires our being present to others, having conversations, ideally one on one conversations, with a great many people. Then people will know we genuinely care, as a person does in the presence of a lady or a gentleman.

Susan Scott, in her wonderful book, Fierce Conversations, maintains that conversations are the work of a leader. Yes, in my experience, I absolutely vouch for that.

True ladies and gentlemen are admired. We are drawn to their respectful nature and caring interest in others. They inspire us to be better.

This is a worthy goal for us as leaders, to be ladies and gentlemen.