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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Source: Susan Scott, 785-532-6085, smscott@k-state.edu
Editor's note: Similar stories with K-State experts on election-related topics are available at:
http://www.k-state.edu/media/webzine/election/index.html
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008                                                             ELECTION 2008

K-STATE LEADERSHIP EXPERT DISCUSSES THE ATTRIBUTES OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS

MANHATTAN -- The way a leader thinks may be more important than the specific traits a leader possesses, according to Susan Scott, director of the School of Leadership Studies at Kansas State University.

"So much of what needs to be changed, I think, is that transactional mindset -- you do this for me, I'll do this for you," Scott said. "We see that in government all the time now. I believe that what you want to look for in a leader is that they have a transformational mindset; that their leadership serves a purpose, and that purpose is to better the common good."

Transformational leadership is a leadership style in which leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality, according to Scott. Transformational leaders have a purpose that goes beyond reaching short-term goals. These types of leaders have a strong and equal relationship with their followers, she said.

As part of being a transformational leader, Scott said you can't underestimate being positive and having an enthusiasm that is contagious.

"Leaders who show that enthusiasm also demonstrate authentic hopefulness, and that is what helps people see past difficulties and look to problems that can be solved," she said.

Along with exhibiting the transformational mindset, Scott said there are some other attributes that can be important for successful leaders to have.

"The most important quality in a leader is being ethical," Scott said. "It doesn't matter if you are knowledgeable, caring, inclusive, culturally aware and able to manage change. If you are unethical, none of those things matter."

Another important part of being a leader is being able to adapt to a diverse and changing world. Leaders have to be able to work with different cultures and this is especially true as society is becoming more global, she said.

Scott thinks that many Americans have become disengaged and disillusioned with political leaders and that the two presidential candidates face many challenges as leaders in today's society.

"History will show that the candidates face more critical challenges than we realize on many different issues and levels," Scott said. "Whoever is elected will need to lead with boldness and integrity. They will need to win back the belief of the American public."