7 Ways Great Leaders Think Differently From Everyone Else

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, the article definitely makes some great points. In addition to other leadership qualities (which are outlined in some of your other posts), I think to be a well-rounded and successful leader, one does have to think differently.

The military is a great example of this. We have leaders on many levels. As leaders, we often have to open our thinking to incorporate many different objectives. For example, we must question the decisions from above, ensuring we are acting upon lawful orders, and to also interpret and convey the message to those below us in a way they can understand and succeed in carrying out the mission. We have to think at a level below us, ensuring those we are tasking will fully understand the mission and their piece of the puzzle, and also visualize their perspective to address any training or equipment shortfalls that may arise.

As we move higher up the chain, we evaluate and analyze how our decisions impact not only ourselves and our peers, as well as those we lead, but also the fallout from outside sources. Media portrayal, legal considerations, foreign relations; all areas in which we may not be experts, but which do deserve a fair amount of attention as we make critical decisions and fight to mitigate risk.

Bottom line, a good leader should strive to understand all angles of their decisions and what they ask of their people. Tough decisions still have to be made, but the more one can think "outside the box" and answer the tough questions before taking action, the better the team will function as a whole.

Well, I naturally do #2, 3, 5 & 7...it is no wonder the family dogs think I am a leader!

Yes successful leader not only think differently, but actually believe in their own success. I bet 99% of successful leaders are those that think using the Left side of the brain. And also their view of a problem or challenge is light years ahead of everyone else. Like paying chess, a Good chess player may think 2 moves ahead of their current move, a successful chess player has already thought and plotted their first 5 moves before the game even started. And I will close with this, a successful leader as a solid grasp on the Spiritual World. They understand that there are higher powers at work in every situation. And sometimes victory is achieved through the Spirit, despite having the latest technology.