16 Characteristics Of Apex Leadership

 

Apex Leadership are the leadership practices, principles, and thought processes of those who are the best at what they do.  I am doing much strategic thinking these days on Apex Leaders in an effort to find out what makes them so special.

Today I want to take a look at the greatest leader of the ancient world – King David of Israel.  David reigned over Israel for 40 years.  His last major act of leadership was developing the plans and strategy for the construction of Solomon’s Temple.  By reading I Chronicles 28-29 we get a sense of what made David such a great leader.

1. Apex Leaders Are Visionaries – They see possibilities prior to others.
2. The Apex Leaders Own Vision At A Deep Level – David stated “I had it in my heart to build”.  Leaders, do you have a vision or does the vision have you?  Having it in your heart will you enable to answer the question “Am I ready to lead?”
3. Apex Leaders Effectively Lead Leaders – David casted vision to his leaders FIRST.  Desmond Howard says “The toughest people for the head coach to coach are the assistant coaches.”  The best leaders focus on organizational alignment and attunement starting with their leaders.
4. Apex Leaders Build Credibility – Before going public with the project, David had already made plans and drawings.  This gave those following him security, direction, and confidence that the initiative could be completed.
5. Apex Leaders Have A Succession Plan – Succession plans communicate long-term organizational viability.  David’s successor was to be his son Solomon and he set about ensuring his success.
6. Apex Leaders Focus On Generational Impact – The best leaders build organizations that last beyond their tenure. 
7. Apex Leaders Understand The Most Important Area Of Leadership Is At Home – David spent much time in Chapter 28 coaching his son.  Leadership at home is important because you are daily setting precedent and sending people forward into a time you cannot see.
8. Apex Leaders Are Extravagantly Generous - David gave away all his intellectual capital and wealth.  I’ve never met an Apex Leader whose life was not marked by generosity.
9. Apex Leaders Inspire Others – People are dying for inspiration.  Inspiration is the fuel that enables your team to see projects through to their finish.
10. Apex Leaders Employ Skill – David, and later Solomon, employed skilled craftsmen.  When someone outside their organization can perform a task better than you, the best leaders secure their services.
11. Apex Leaders Want Significance – P&L statements do not inspire Apex Leaders.  These individuals are focused on changing human life and relieving suffering.
12. Apex Leaders Ask For Great Commitment – The best leaders are so driven by their vision they cannot imagine doing anything else.  As a result, they cannot imagine others not being as committed to the vision as they are.
13. Apex Leaders Understand Not Everyone Will Follow Them – Just reality.
14. Apex Leaders Know How To Celebrate – A lack of celebration will limit your influence and lead to burn-out by you and your team.
15. Apex Leaders Are Honored In Death – The best leaders will not be missed because of what they did, but rather the type of people they were.
16. Apex Leaders Define Their Times – I used to always want to win Employee Of The Year.  In 2009, I had a new thought – the best leaders don’t just win the award, they have the award named after them.  That’s Apex Leadership! 

Are you an Apex Leader?  Live out these 15 characteristics and watch the difference you will make in the lives of others.  What are some of the characteristics you have seen in the best leaders?

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