Focus

From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders by Stan Toler:

"A good leader remains focused. Controlling your destination is better than being controlled by it."
   -  Jack Welch

'Distractions are the bane of the ineffective leader. Like a hound chasing two rabbits at once, the unproductive leader changes directions frequently. Consequently, his or her followers become confused and frustrated. Never knowing exactly what to do, they usually end up doing nothing.

But productive leaders have a single focus. They "chase" one thing at a time. They've narrowed their attention. They know what needs to be done, and they know what they will have to do to accomplish it. They've zeroed in on the mission.

They also know what resources are available to carry out the mission. They know how to gather manpower for the task. Focused leaders usually don't lack followers. People with a mind to work naturally gravitate to someone who is able to give them good directions.

Effective leaders understand what team skills are needed. They know who the team specialists are, and they understand whose individual talents are best suited for the assignment.

Effective leaders are not interested in doing ten good things. They want to do one thing and do it right.'

Winners focus on the mission.