I can’t recall when I first heard the saying “Leaders are born, not made”. At first I really didn’t give it much thought. However as we continue through this journey known as life, we start to ponder on some of these things… well at least I do.

Does a doctor, after delivering a newborn child, say, “Wow! A new successful leader is born today?” Do we read in the newspaper that “three successful leaders were born today at the local hospital”? Are some people genetically disposed to success? I am happy to report that success in any business first consists of adopting key character traits. However, simply adopting these character traits in of itself does not make you a leader any more than loose ingredients are a cake. Secondly, in order for us to grow our businesses to the next level we need to employ a proven system of success.

Pilots conduct Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prior to every flight in order for them to have the best possible chance of a successful flight. Similarly, those that scuba dive, perform SOPs before and after every dive to insure the greatest chance of success.

Those ‘special’ people who seem to have that magic touch—the true leaders, the ones we admire and look to as a source of inspiration in any business or chosen adventure—also have an SOP in their lives.

The 5 Critical Elements will be posted one a day for the next 5 days.

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