Gore's seven attributes of leadership and success

“It does not take a lot to change the direction of a country or an organisation. Destiny is in our hands and successful people and great leaders tend to share certain attributes of success. Nothing I will say to you is new and complex,” Gore said.

“Positivity and optimism are the fuel and fundamental attributes of leadership. It is in these difficult economic times that one can make a difference and emerge as a good leader.

“But positivity is not about walking around with a smile on your face and saying that everything is perfect. If you are positive and rational, you will certainly make the right decisions,” he pointed out.

Work positively; don't run

Gore, who founded Discovery Invest in 2007, is among the seven speakers who addressed the summit, which brought together some of the most influential leaders of today to debate the leadership challenges facing the world economy, business, government and society.

He said: “Crime is irrationally feared. We all know that we are living in a crime-ridden country but the reaction to crime has been unbelievably irrational. When you are positive, you work with the probabilities and you don't run and leave the country.”

Gore said that positivity is about embracing the challenges and changes that come with them, accept changes and move on with them.

He also said that a good leader must be able to set dreams and goals. “Dreams are not only about money, but also about leaving a legacy and what you want to achieve in life. The real story of Discovery Invest is founded on dreams and goals, which are more important than the plan.

“Avoid depression to dream well.”

You won't live forever

Gore, who was voted SA's Best Entrepreneur in 1998, believes that human beings have shorter lives as growing takes away and shortens their stay in this world. So he urged everyone to have a sense of urgency and take action now as time is limited.

“We don't live forever and let's do something now to leave a legacy as time is elapsing in our lives,” Gore said.

Furthermore, he called on leaders to continue learning, saying that ‘the more you know the more it is easier to learn'. “Knowledge gives one a greater ability to leave a legacy.”

Gore also emphasised the importance of innovation, as he believes that innovation can take one's organisation or business to a level they have never heard of. “We must keep thinking about new things that are coming out.”

Lastly he urged leaders to have some integrity and honesty, saying that it is the foundation of quality leadership and success.

Visit www.theleadershipsummit.co.za.