Your playing small does not serve the world.
Nelson Mandela
Visionary leaders are forthright. They speak their minds and articulate their visions clearly--no politically correct double-talk or politically motivated spinning of bad news. They understand that their credibility, and the credibility of their vision, is on the line every time they speak, and refuse to trade short-term popularity for value of their long term vision. Consequently, they know that one person of every six people who hears them won't like what they hear, and they are OK with that fact.
Visionary leaders are confident. An inherent belief in their vision, their own ability to make it happen (eventually), and in the people they lead combine to generate a sense of confidence that attracts loyal followers. Confidence is the result of a life history of competence--trying new challenges, persisting until mastery is achieved, enjoying the success, but not too much, and repeating the process over and over in many domains. Confidence is not the result of having everyone tell you how wonderful you are or "building your self-esteem"--that only build narcissism, not confidence. Confidence follows competence and mastery.
Visionary leaders are authoritative. That's authoritative NOT authoritarian. Authoritative leaders know what they know and are persuaded by facts and experience, not by the volume nor intensity of their less visionary detractors. Authoritative leaders also have the EQ to know what they don't know; they know the limits of their own expertise and willingly say so without apology. Visionary leaders don't need or want to force their vision on anyone; they count on the vision to draw people to follow when the time is right.
Mandela understood this leadership lesson very well and practiced it diligently.
