My blog has been about cultivating culture and genuine leadership from its inception in 2012 and, nearly 500 posts later, it still is.  Leadership requires cultivation in the same way that a farmer cultivates crops; the process involves five essential elements, which rather neatly line up as The 5 C’s of the Cultivated Leader:

• Clarity.  What are you going to plant?  How and where will it grow?  Conditions must be right, or nothing happens; a seed will not sprout in barren soil.

Clarity is about Vision and the Art of the Possible.  A grower of crops, a grower of talent, and a grower of business must possess a crystal clear vision of what they want to create.  John Spence, in his epic book Awesomely Simplesays this about the impact of Vivid Vision, coupled with Values: “I cannot state this strongly enough: overcommunication of the vision and values is critical. In board meetings, through e-mail, at off-site meetings, in phone conversations, in the company newsletter, as screen savers, in one-on-one meetings, at all-hands meetings. In every conceivable communications channel, you must relentlessly communicate a clear and consistent message about the vision and future direction of your organization and the values that can never be violated.”

The Greater the Clarity, the Greater the Potential.

• Curiosity.  What are the inputs that produce the greatest yield?  How are they best used?  To answer these questions, it always pays to start with “Why?”

Careful case studies of organizations that have thrived and those that failed offer powerful insights which can be applied to your own situation.  The odds are high that what you’re working on has been done before, in some form or fashion, unless you’re working in a “skunk works” environment.  Even there, it is possible to borrow from and learn from prior attempts at certain aspects of what you desire to accomplish.

Successful Complacence will kill innovation.  Stay curious!

• Consistency.  What are the keys to achieving growth? And how can growth contribute to lasting success?

Careful planning and preparation is where consistency begins.  Upon that foundation, processes can be designed to achieve desired outcomes.  In the words of George Washington:  “System in all things is the soul of business.” The visible expression of that is realized through self-discipline in daily practices to create healthy habits which will keep you on track.

Consistency in little things becomes a  big thing over time.

• Character.  What is at the heart of a cultivated leader?

The potential for achieving success through Clarity, Curiosity and Consistency is ultimately dependent upon the Trust that a leader must earn.  That requires Integrity, a commitment to do the right thing, even when it is the hard thing, according to a set of Core Values.  The character of the person is reflected in respect shown for others, as seen in actions, not words.

Character is seen in what others experience.

• Contribution.  How does this complete the cultivated leader?  And why does it matter?

There are Leaders and then there are Servant Leaders.  Contribution makes the difference.  It is what cultivated leaders consistently do for and with others that sets them, and the organizations they lead, apart from the average.  Bob Burg, author of The Go-Giver, a powerful little book with a big message, shares Five Laws of Stratospheric Success; the third of which is The Law of Influence: “Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.”  This important quality extends to all aspects of a leader’s life and legacy.

Contribution is about investing in others.

Leadership is not a title.  It is a worthwhile life-long journey for those who aspire to it. Embracing The 5 C’s of The Cultivated Leader will enhance your journey.

Tempus Maximize!