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As discussed in our previous post, to be successful in network marketing, you really must become a leader.  After focusing on being a person of character that people would be honored to follow, followed by being an active listener, what are some other skill sets of a good leader? 

Here are three more top requirements for quality leaders.  How do you score in these?

Good Leaders Are Available 


A good leader will make time for their recruits and clients. Some leaders have a set schedule for seeing recruits, but they also know emergencies arise and don’t get disgruntled when they do. Personal relationships are critical in a network marketing business, and creating opportunity for personal interaction is a prerequisite to build trust and unity in a team.



Set your own schedule, but be aware that your team members will need you at times other than those you specifically set every once in awhile. Open your door and help them when they need it most.  Even when the size of your network marketing business grows exponentially (a "problem" I know you will be delighted to experience!), always build in time for connecting, especially with those individuals who are working diligently and thus deserving of extra recognition and support.



Good Leaders Organize and Prioritize


This is not only true in business, but it is also true in a leader’s personal life. You’ll need to realize your family is most important and how to balance family and business. If you do not know how to organize and prioritize your business and personal life, don’t worry. There are tons of materials out there that can help you with this part. Look on the internet or in your local bookstore for starters.

A key point to remember in this area is the recognition that all people have the same finite amount of one resource, and that is time.  Your ability to identify what many call the "high value activities", those small percentage of actions that actually accomplish the majority of progress in your business, will be a critical component to your success.  Good leaders discover the most meaningful daily activities, develop a written plan around those tasks, and focus on those priority tasks instead of the myriad of "time suckers" that can steal their day.



Good Leaders Persevere


In other words, you’ll need to know how to overcome obstacles or work around them. In business, as in life, troubles and adversity are inevitable.  Part of being a leader is planning ahead for just such realities and building in flexibility to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

Also, don’t let negative people interfere with your progress or your well-laid plans. You should know how to block the negative and absorb the positive. Believe me, when you are in a leadership position, you will hear it all…some of which you don’t want to hear, but have to just because you’re the one in charge. (Perhaps the phrase "TMI! TMI!"–too much information– was first coined by a leader who heard too much!) As a leader, you must be able to filter out the bad and keep the good. Don’t let set-backs or frustrations stop you from reaching your goals.

Good Leader…In You


Leadership development is important in any business, but it is absolutely critical in the network marketing arena, a business model that lives and dies on building and maintaining strong relationships. For that reason, one of your foundational principles for success in your network marketing business should be to develop yourself as a leader.  Browse your local bookstore for bestselling or classic leadership titles that motivate you.   Be alert for online courses or live seminars that provide practical application in developing leadership skills.  And, most importantly,  learn from someone who exemplifies strong leadership skills in your personal life, like your minister, a teacher or business partner.

Good leadership can be learned, you just have to be willing to study it.  Find a good mentor to pattern after, curl up with a good read, and commit to improving yourself into the leader the world needs to step up and serve!

What do you believe are the most essential character qualities of a good leader?  I would love to know your thoughts.