What and who is a leader? “The Webster’s Dictionary defines leader as a person who by force of example, talents or qualities of leadership plays a directing role, wields commanding influence, or has a following in any sphere of activity or thought. It defines leadership as that ingredient of personality that causes men (and/or women) to follow.
In the modern age good leaders are an enabling force, helping people and organisations to perform and develop, which implies that a sophisticated alignment be achieved - of people's needs, and the aims of the organisation.
Effective leadership does not necessarily require great technical or intellectual capacity. These attributes might help, but they are not pivotal.
Good leadership in the modern age more importantly requires attitudes and behaviors which characterise and relate to humanity.
Leadership and management are commonly seen as the same thing, which they are not. Leadership is also misunderstood to mean directing and instructing people and making important decisions on behalf of an organisation. Effective leadership is much more than this.
Some sit and pontificate about whether leaders are made or born. The true leader ignores such arguments and instead concentrates on developing the leadership qualities necessary for success. The following leadership traits will assist you through the maze of leadership:
Integrity & Trust - Is the integration of outward actions and inner values. A person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. Such an individual can be trusted because he or she never veers from inner values, even when it might be expeditious to do so. A leader must have the trust of followers and therefore must display integrity. Honest dealings, predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, and an absence of tantrums and harsh outbursts are all signs of integrity. A leader who is centered in integrity will be more approachable by followers.
Vision - Leaders understand the reasons of having corporate and divisional mission and vision statements. These statements of purpose enable employees to understand, 1) Who the firm is, 2) Where they are going? and 3) How they will get there. True leaders establish missions as a roadmap to future success.
Listening - Good listening is required in order to understand employee attitudes and motivators. Get to know your employees by asking a lot of open-ended questions. When you ask questions, you have a chance to listen, and when you listen, you begin to better understand employee motivations, body language and issues. Get them to speak of issues that confront them and enable them to find solutions. Offer challenges to corporate issues with solutions. And, provide credit to the employee with a solid reply.
Enthusiasm - Employees want to be motivated. This begins with positive energy and positive commitment. Your personal ills and corporate pressures are unimportant to your employees. They are concerned about number one- themselves. In good times and bad you must always express a positive and energetic attitude. Finish line energy gets finish line results.
Positive Communication - In good times and in bad leaders create positive communication and feedback to employees. Positive and meaningful communication creates loyalty and mutual exchange of ideas and attitudes. When ideas are fresh and positive, profits and productivity soar!
Dedication - Means spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. By setting an excellent example, leaders can show followers that there are no nine-to-five jobs on the team, only opportunities to achieve something great.
A sense of humor - Is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility. Effective leaders know how to use humor to energise followers. Humor is a form of power that provides some control over the work environment. And simply put, humor fosters good camaraderie.
Accept Responsibility for Your Actions - Those who have qualities of good leadership never pass the buck. In fact, the best leaders will not only take responsibility for their own mistakes, but also shield their team from negative consequences, going to bat for them. As a leader, always remember that the buck stops with you. True leaders are masters at accepting responsibility for all that comes their way and taking ownership and responsibility for getting things back on track. Blaming, justifying and excuse making just isn't in their responsibility.
Final Thought
Good leaders are followed chiefly because people trust and respect them, rather than the skills they possess. Leadership is about behavior first, skills second. Intrinsic traits such as intelligence, good looks, height and so on are not necessary to become a leader. Anyone can cultivate the proper leadership traits.
Leadership Quotes
'Goddamn it, you will never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!' — Captain Henry P. 'Jim' Crowe, USMC, Guadalcanal, 13 January 1943. (key words — follow me, NOT 'go')
'Everybody can get angry - that's easy. But getting angry at the right person, with the right intensity, at the right time, for the right reason and in the right way - that's hard.' (Aristotle)
'Behind an able man there are always other able men.' (Chinese Proverb.)
'I praise loudly. I blame softly.' (Catherine the Great, 1729-1796.)
