Understanding The 5 "What"s" Of Leading

There are so many necessities and components involved in becoming a meaningful and effective leader, and perhaps the biggest challenge potential leaders face is gaining the ability to clarify and better understand what needs to be done.
How can anyone ever expect to be able to lead in any type of impactful manner, unless he gains a real handle on the needs and expectations of the organization, and its stakeholders? A meaningful and effective procedure to follow, and for individuals to consider in developing their best course of action, may be to visualize, consider, understand, and be led by asking the 5 "What's" of actually leading in any type of meaningful way.
1.
Begin with asking yourself, "What was?" Nearly every organization has its own unique heritage, mission, vision, and reason for being.
Groups have a history, and many existing members often remember and have a kinship or alliance/ bond with that heritage.
Therefore, if one wants to be able to lead an organization towards being the best it can be, and maintain sustainability and relevance, there needs to be a thorough examination and understanding of the past.
2.
Next, consider the present needs, scenarios and situation, by evaluating "What is?" What are the strengths, as well as the weaknesses that need to be addressed in a serious matter? Is the group maintaining its relevance? Is it in a growth stage, a static one, or a diminishment stage? What steps might be indicated that would address current needs, while doing so in a manner that foresees future conditions, nuances and continuous sustainability and relevance? 3.
Realize that every action taken, as well as when one procrastinates (procrastination, in itself, is an action, albeit a rather negative and pervasive one), has some ramifications.
Ask yourself, "What will be if specific actions are taken, and if none is taken?" Real leaders never have the luxury of avoiding circumstances merely because they are challenging, or contain obstacles.
4.
Great leadership commences when one asks, "What might be?" Real leaders generate both their inner strength, as well as their overall ability to motivate others to buy into their vision, when they are able to visualize the possibilities, and then articulate the compelling message to others.
5.
If one does not continue the process to this point, but ends at the end of step 4, he risks merely talking the talk, rather than walking the walk.
Visions must be transformed effectively to a creative, inspiring action plan, that truly and realistically addresses what needs to be done.
Therefore, one must rely on asking, "What needs to be done?" and then proceed to lead others towards a common goal, vision, and course of action.
How can anyone be effective unless he clearly understands the situation? Using the 5 What's approach properly is an effective, meaningful, realistic, and actionable approach!