Determination

Determination is an important leadership trait. Determination is the desire to get the job done and includes characteristics such as initiative, persistence, dominance, and drive. People with determination are willing to assert themselves, they are proactive, and they have the capacity to persevere in the face of obstacles (Northouse, 2007, p.20). Several well-known leaders have highlighted the importance of determination.

Without determination, nothing will come to fruition. The plans, ideas and goals will be stagnant without the perseverance to make them come to life. Often times, traits such as determination is what separates effective leaders from those that are ineffective (Northoue, 2016, p.21). To be an effective leader with unbounded determination, characteristics of determination such as drive, persistence, initiative, and dominance must evidently be seen and applied (Northouse, 2016, p.24). People with determination show initiative by being proactive (Northouse, 2016, p. 24). They are willing to do what is necessary and beyond even without being told to do so. Determination includes displaying dominance especially when followers need to be directed (Northouse, 2016, p. 21). As a leader, it is important to mobilize the people you lead to achieve your shared goals. There may be instances where followers may not completely agree with the decision or direction that you are taking them towards. In this case, it is important that a leader asserts himself and demonstrates the determination to maintain the momentum towards the goal. Many times followers only know a piece of the puzzle, whereas leaders envision how the picture in the entire puzzle will look like and therefore must be determined to create that picture even when the people around them don’t necessarily agree. It is the leaders who are determined that will be effective. Becoming a successful leader is like running a race. A lot of people can start the race, but not all will last. When it comes to determination, it is not a matter of who is running next to you, rather, it is based upon whether you are able to keep running despite the obstacles that come your way.

Strategies to Help Build Determination

Set priorities - What’s really important to you? Leaders who treat everything as equally important are ineffective, whether it’s staff or projects. Knowing that A is more important than B, which is more important than C is the first step toward success. Stop wanting to control other’s opinions or beliefs - You have a finite amount of energy and time. Stop wasting it being upset because you have no say or trying to change someone’s opinion when it won’t affect your success. If your lack of input could hinder your work, use your energy to find a way to influence those who do have input. If a contrary opinion doesn’t negatively impact your chance of success, walk away. Trying to force others to conform to your beliefs is a sign of insecurity. Dispatch resentment - I have never met a truly successful, emotionally strong leader who feels envy or resentment. When you see somebody reach a goal, is your naturally tendency to feel happy for that person or to feel jealous? If it’s the latter, no worries, it’s not uncommon. The first step towards eliminating these negative behaviors is to stop holding pity parties for yourself. Resentment does nothing but deplete the mental energy you need to become a successful leader. Like’s attract - Success brings energy and successful people tend to congregate around similar types. Who are you spending your time around? Do they bring you up or hold you down? The fire of determination in your belly can be stoked or extinguished by the company you keep. Follow your gut - I’ll talk more about this in an upcoming blog, but for now I’ll leave you with this parting note. There are actually scientific studies supporting trust of your initial reaction - your gut instinct – which leads to more success than failure. Don’t ignore due diligence, but also listen to that little voice inside that gave you the first answer. It’s the same voice that controls determination.