What creates success in a leader – a business model, family or the right mentality?

Of course the answer is a balance between all three but one of the areas of growing recognition is the need to develop a positive mind-set within work cultures. Many businesses possess strong models but still stifle talent and the development of new leaders. So how can this dynamic be changed? How can new leaders be developed through and how is a positive mentality developed?

There are many examples of great leaders and entrepreneurs who have set out to change a landscape and have achieved it through working their way through both great highs and lows. Steve Jobs is one such example; a man who set up Apple in his parents garage and developed it to become one of the greatest companies in the world. Similarly, England’s new Test match coach was a player for New Zealand who transformed the fortunes of the team into becoming one of the best in the world by ensuring that they had an inner belief which told them they were the equals of anyone.

However having a positive mentality is never enough on its own. It would be interesting to research business leaders over the last two years and look at the factors which have some excel over others. Interestingly, research often suggests that those who do excel as leaders have strong personal platforms from which to work. Research suggests that leaders tend to perform stronger when they are motivated to achieve personal goals for their families. Equally, many entrepreneurs excel when their goals are linked to achieving a bigger goal which can achieve lasting change.

Here lies the hub of the issue – a strong model may determine business success but it does not determine the success of a leader.

Research suggests that the simple equation for a successful leader is:

1. Positive mentality = positive goals for family = inner belief and strength = positive goals = achievement
2. Positive mentality= a belief in something bigger = inner belief and strength = resilience positive goals = achievement.

So here lie the questions:
• Does a strong family unit often help the development of a leader? History will suggest so.
• Is it dangerous to patronise those entrepreneurs who believe in something new and bigger? Well at worst, they show courage and belief in something new
• Can a business model support the development of leaders? Models have become far more robust over the last ten years and yet fewer leaders have emerged.

Maybe the answer is as simple as noting the leaders are often motivated and inspired by something more than just business?