Want to be a positive leader who embraces possibility with childlike wonder? Who practices inclusion without judgment? Who turns dreams into reality? Who inspires others to do the same? 

You can if you’re willing to put the 7 c’s of leadership to work!

Before we can lead others well, we have to lead ourselves, and the 7 c’s of leadership help us do just that.

Through our work and experience, the TJG team has discovered that effective leaders have mastered what we call the 7 c’s:  character, connection, cognition, capability, compassion, confidence, and commitment.

So, when people ask us about the “secret sauce” for leadership success, our team asks, “How’s your 7c’s of leadership?”

Putting the 7 c’s of leadership to work

A 7c leader has character. 

• They walk the talk for being good and doing well. 
• Their ethics and integrity are above reproach because they’re authentic, honest, transparent and have a moral center.
• They radiate positive energy and determination.
• They’re self-disciplined.
• They treat those with and those without power the same.
• They invite the elephant in the room to dance.

A 7c leader fosters connection.

• They know what values and beliefs are important to them, and they practice them in their daily living in doses large or small.
• They make the time to communicate and connect with others. 
• They actively listen with their head and heart to what others have to say because understanding their point of view is important to them.
• They know when to be mindful and when to take action.
• They drive the balance between stability and stimulating change.

A 7c leader has cognition

• They’re self-aware, and actively use their self-knowledge to relate to others.
• They know their strengths and put them to good use both for themselves and in service to others.
• They know their weaknesses, and work to minimize any negative impact they may have.
• They seek out feedback; then listen and reflect on what they heard.
• They embrace discipline and entrepreneurship.
• They practice simplicity yet know when to take the deep dive.

A 7c leader has capability

• They dare themsilves to stretch the limits of their potential and inspire those around them to do the same.
• They seek to learn and understand because they want to grow their comfort zone.
• They practice empathy and accountability with themselves and those around them.
• They’ve gotten comfortable oscillating between collaborating and competing, confidence and humility, and control and empowerment.
• They know when to go fast and when to go slow.
• They focus on and equally value people, principles and profits, not sacrificing one for the other.

A 7c leader has compassion

• They’re unafraid to smile and laugh. 
• They’re fearless in showing love and joy.
• They say thank you to someone every day.
• They share grins and gratitude.
• They’re there for others.
• They’re tolerant of and embrace differences.
• They know when to speak with candor and when to use diplomacy.
• They celebrate similarities and differences. 
• They set boundaries for, and appreciate, what’s mandatory and what’s discretionary.
• They care for themselves, their team, organization, community, family and whatever else they hold near and dear, and are secure enough to show that they care.

A 7c leader has confidence

• They exude quiet courage by taking a stand for what’s good and what’s right, even if doing so is unpopular.
• They show grace under pressure.
• They acknowledge their fears without letting them rule their lives.
• They’re joyfully spirited.
• They show strength of mind and will.
• They believe in themselves. 
• They know they bring value and help others believe the same about themselves.

A 7c leader has commitment   

• They hold themselves accountable and assist others in doing the same.
• They’ve dedicated themselves to practicing 7C performance. 
• They seek out.
• They communicate.
• They live up to their potential.
• They celebrate.
• They’re courageous. 
• They dare to be sincere, caring and authentic.
• They make a positive difference.

How’s your 7C leadership going? 

Image source before quote:  morgueFile.com