Richard Ghilarducci: What Comes from Leadership Presence?

Richard Ghilarducci: The Presence of a True Leader

What is beyond the leadership that we see in corporations and business settings? What makes leaders influential to the point that employees would give their effort and time to accomplish the tasks their leaders have set upon them? One big piece of that puzzle is their very presence. 

Anyone can be present and lead, Richard Ghilarducci says. He also explains that to truly be an influential leader, there are some indispensable qualities you should have. 

While the best leaders are always in the here and now, they also can (kind of) see the future. 

A leader without so much as a vision is like a ship without a rudder; they'll never know where they're going or how to get there. Having a clear vision, or seeing or anticipating the future, for your team and organization is essential to being an effective leader.

According to Richard Ghilarducci, great leaders who are present can inspire others.

An influential leader isn't just someone who tells their team what to do but motivates and inspires them to do their best work. Tapping into your team's motivation and helping them see the bigger picture is already a big part of becoming an effective leader.

Of course, a leader would not be a leader if they can't make tough decisions.

True leaders aren't afraid of making tough choices; they know that sometimes, sacrifices must be made to achieve the goal. If you can make tough, calculated decisions without flinching, you'll prove to your team that you're a true leader.

Richard Ghilarducci also mentions not just the ability to delegate but the ability to delegate fairly and effectively as another by-product of good leaders being present.

The ability to delegate responsibilities and tasks to team members is developed over time and is essential in honing one's leadership qualities. It not only allows leaders to focus on more important tasks, but it also empowers their team and helps them learn new skills.

Finally, true leaders never forget their part of the team because they can empathize.

A good leader isn't just someone who can see the world from their perspective; they're also someone who can understand as well as relate to the experiences of others. If you can put yourself in your team's shoes, Richard Ghilarducci says you'll better understand their needs and concerns.

Richard Ghilarducci is a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt State University. During his career, he has held the leadership positions of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer for over 30 years. He was the former President of the California Creamery Operators Association and served on the Boards of the Alliance of Western Milk Producers, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the California Dairy Research Program at the University of California-Davis. He was also elected and served as the Mayor of the City of Rio Dell for 3 terms. Read more of his insights on leadership, business, and public policy by following this page.