Traits for the new breed of credit leaders.(Member Viewpoint)(Brief Article)

What are you doing to prepare yourself to be the best credit manager in 2005? This is the time of the year to create your guide for the New Year.

I recently attended our national credit meeting in Chicago. We talked about many changes coming for 2005 with technology, change management and sales growth. On my flight back to Minneapolis, I was reading an article in the American Way magazine on the "Field Guide to the New CEO," by Robert McGarvey. The article focused on seven traits essential to getting the title. The same breed as in years before will not be the same species in years to come. With the world changing drastically in the past five years, in the ways of globalization, downsizing, off shoring, and pressures on business ethics, we need a new kind of leader.

Below are the seven traits mentioned;

1. Humble. A strong and sincere sense of personal modesty, shifting away from a flamboyant personality style.

2. Inclusive. Involving people in the decision-making, being open with employees, pros at motivating others to rally shared objectives, and inspiring a shared vision.

3. Broad-Minded. Global thinkers need to build trust across geographic boundaries and be willing to challenge the process.

4. Intimate. Getting ...