Everyone faces adversity in all areas of life.  One key difference between leaders who have a devoted team and the leaders who simply manage by title is real leaders never give up.

Life and work are full of challenges that test our resolve.   How you respond says everything.  Are you going to be held down, or will you rise to the challenge?  Every great leader I’ve encountered has always risen to the challenge.  They may not always succeed, but they step up and look their challenge right in the eye and go after it.  Their teams respect them, and their competitors fear them as a result.  

Leaders recognize that challenges are laced with fear, and it’s not that they are impervious to fear.  They just refuse to be overtaken by the fear.  They become even more courageous in the face of challange.  Leaders know that if they quit they will lose the respect of not just their teams, but themselves, and greater damage can come from doing nothing.  

Leaders look to minimize damage and maximize gain for their teams and company.  They know that if they quit in the face of adversity they will lose the edge in whatever market they are making and whatever group they are influencing. 

So how do leaders develop a never-give-up attitude.  Here are six common threads all leaders use:

1. Leaders focus on the result they are after
2. Leaders focus on the well-being of their team
3. Leaders have drive attached to their results
4. Leaders read, watch & listen to positive/inspirational books, magazines, & videos daily
5. Leaders take care of themselves physically and prepare their bodies
6. Leaders anticipate the challenges ahead, & create a plan to mitigate them in advance

Let’s face it, adversity in your career and your personal life are going to come smack you in the head daily.  Will you curl up and quit, or will you step up, be a leader, and make it happen?  Fear is going to be there no matter what, so make it your friend and dance with it.  Your colleagues, co-workers, and team are counting on you.  Lead them to victory.