Dana Dorris

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 8

KBA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Kennesaw Recreation Center 2737 Watts Drive Speaker is Brian Dodd, sponsored by Springer & Co. CPAs.

Feb. 15

Business Expo and Alive After Five

4-7:30 p.m. Kennesaw Recreation Center 2737 Watts Drive Sponsored by Crane Elder Law Firm.

Feb. 22

Wake Up KBA

8-9 a.m. TBA

March 8

KBA Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. TBD Speaker is Ernest Davis.

Join the KBA by visiting www.kennesawbusiness.org.

A Look at Timeless Leadership Traits

BY DANA DORRIS

Great leadership is a timeless and always popular topic among business leaders. We search for the qualities of the best leadership principles that will withstand the test of time, and leadership lessons can be found throughout history.

In reflecting on those who possess the best leadership qualities, perhaps there is no greater analogy than that of shepherds protecting their sheep — the epitome of servant leadership. The shepherd characterizes traits, attributes and perspectives of leadership and provides the approach that will take us to the next level.

1. Vision and strategy.

True leaders have a clear vision for the future and move toward it. They will define, establish and maintain boundaries to benefit those they lead and create their plan. Great leaders clearly define and communicate the vision and strategy for flawless execution. Shepherds walk ahead of their sheep and know the journey the sheep will travel. They prepare the sheep for potential obstacles and navigate them to the safest, most beneficial conditions, always keeping them from harm. They never expect sheep to move into any circumstance they are not willing to withstand. 2. Character.

An effective leader must be a worthy model to follow. They must understand and accept their role while maintaining good morals and values. Leaders should understand what it means to not only lead, but also to follow. Shepherds understand and accept that sheep do not belong to them. They are entrusted and empowered by another and are responsible for the care of the flock. They must answer to a higher authority. 3. Trust and relationships.

A leader needs to cultivate a deep sense of trust among those they lead. True leaders take the time and energy to build solid and genuine relationships, investing in others to help mold and shape them to create change. Shepherds protect and serve their sheep and know their flocks intimately. 4. Investment in others.

Leaders provide for others’ needs and are willing to experience personal sacrifice for the benefit of their followers. It is not about themselves, but the ones that follow them. Shepherds always are willing to put the immediate needs and well-being of the sheep before their own, often at great personal risk.

There are some incredible leaders in the business world today, and I have had the privilege to work for and be associated with many. As leaders, we must remain focused on the most important asset in our organizations: our employees. People are a sacred trust, and serving them is an awesome commission.

By definition, servant-shepherd leadership is a model that caters to the holistic development of the constituents as persons by guiding, protecting and providing the necessary human conditions for them to attain their highest potential. It is our responsibility as leaders to lead well and to help others grow and develop their best self, and send them out to foster change. This is how we create a bigger purpose, better business and a brighter future.

Dana Dorris is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent insurance agent.