There
is definitely some truth in the proverb `Great leaders are born, not made'. The
capability to lead is innate to an extent, but learning how to grow as an
effective leader is a matter of grasping the fundamentals of leadership. Every
organisation has a different vision, which comes with its own benchmarks for
selection of the best leader(s). However, the qualities required by different
organisations are not very different from each other on a broader level. An
effective leader understands the different factors that a leadership position
brings with it. Here's an allinclusive picture of the characteristics that a
leader must absorb and develop.
1.
INTEGRITY
This is key . Without your team's trust, you
can't hope to achieve much.
2.
A CLEAR VISION
The vision for your business must be clear in
your mind. It is also just as important that you communicate this vision
effectively and convincingly to everyone else.
3.
THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP THE NEXT STRING OF LEADERS
Achieving the company's objectives requires
people who will pick up work streams and run with them. Their success, in turn,
depends on how effective they are as lead ers. Recognise your lieutenants'
strengths and weaknesses, and grow them as leaders.
4.
POSITIVITY
A good leader brings positivity to work. No
matter what, you need to keep your team motivated towards continued success,
and keep their energy levels up.Appreciation for their effort, advice when they
are in need, or consolation when they fail, are key ingredients in this
context.
5.
LISTENING SKILLS
Communication is a twoway street. An open
mind leads to richer ideas and solutions. As a leader, you take your game to
another level when you take some time out to listen to the ideas of your team.
You are never too experienced to learn.
6.
AN UNDERSTANDING OF COMPROMISE
Choosing a side is not as important as making
an effort to understand both sides and finding common ground. As a leader, help
your team to cross boundaries and not make more divisions.
7.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Get personal. When you converse, think
dialogue and not monologue. As you adopt a personal tone, the conversation with
your team and peers will be more effective and engaging. This is the first step
to develop trustworthy and transparent business relationships. People will
always be more interested in how much you care than how much you know.
8.
THE GUTS TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Leadership begins the moment you make a
conscious decision to step out of your comfort zone. As a leader, you might be
expected to take on certain responsibilities. However, as an effective leader,
you also need to take on the responsibility to inspire and motivate others to
challenge institutional thinking and conventional practices. In this manner,
you also end up creating opportunities for your team to learn and grow.
9.
SELFASSESSMENT
As a leader who is not afraid to grow, you
will take stock of not only your personal strengths but also your
shortcomings.The position of leadership is not the best you can achieve. The
more you assess yourself, the more you grow. Effective lead ers bring such
people onboard who complement rather than supplement their skill set. Paying
attention to your areas of weakness will improve your leadership ability.
10.
THE GRIT TO FUNCTION DESPITE ODDS
As a leader, you would be required to
function in an orderly manner in situations of uncertainty, without losing your
sense of purpose.Your team looks to you during times of uncertainty for
reassurance. When you deal with the situation with confidence, it rubs off on
others as well.
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