August 26, 2014
When it comes to leadership there are many individuals that we assess as being competent but only few we assess as remarkable. In the article titled, “Effective Leadership,” I ask whether it is an innate quality of leadership that one has or whether it can be learned. A number of things stand out, however, when we take a look at a list of leadership qualities that an effective leader has to embody. Although the task of leadership can be taxing to the individual, the result is typically very rewarding. Below are some of the best leadership qualities that result from continued learning and continued embodiment of the dance of leadership.
5 Leadership Qualities To Make You Shine
- Honesty - In order to become a strong leader one should learn to treat their public how they need to be treated. One should be a person believing in honesty, hard work and reliability as the best foundation of leadership success. When a leader embodies these values none of their employees or public will doubt their integrity. Honestly will help them share information in a diligent and open way.
- Focus - When it comes to extraordinary leadership one needs to have planned ahead of time and organized very well. Best leaders always think past tough scenarios and make decisions that they will be able to face the out coming results. Their focus enables them to make strategies and routines all of them being targeted towards achieving the goals set in place. They also have contingency plans that can change the game in case last minute events alter the original set blue print to success.
- Decisiveness -Making tough decisions is part of the job description of leaders. Situations arise out of nowhere requiring timely decisions that are very firm and authoritative. The decisions are mostly in the best interest of the people who elected them to power and not their own interest. Best leadership comes with the quality of decisiveness which makes them not hesitate in situations requiring rapid and diligent decision making exercise.
- Accountability - Best leadership puts into consideration accountability towards everyone’s work performance and their own work. They are able to solve outstanding problems conserving their people or employees with effectiveness according to the laid procedures. Accountability enables the stand out as extraordinary leaders.
- Confidence - Best leaders exercise a great deal of confidence to an extent that it becomes contagious. It’s only natural for employees or the public to draw from their leaders in terms of advice and this makes leader’s confidence an important factor to good leadership. Confidence helps leaders tackle hard situations in the course of their work without giving in. The same confidence also helps them accept responsibility when they take the wrong move and they also accept the mistakes immediately.
- Inspiration (Bonus!) - Being able to put the people together and appear as a team requires a great deal of inspiration from leaders. Inspiration enables leaders to be effective in communication which in turn motivates the lot to give the best at what they do. They also inspire the public b setting high standards in whatever they embark on leaving a lasting mark that puts them on the map as people who made the difference. Inspiration ensure everybody is in pursuit of their goals in the best way possible.
Continued Learning for Effective Leadership Qualities
The attributes of leadership you read above are just a few that need to be embodied. von der Heydt named 17 leadership qualities to be effective. In all of this, there is a crucial need to understand that leadership is a process. It is a process of learning and practice. Embodying the leadership qualities then is a matter of being immersed in conversations that allow space for growth.
Through conversations for effective leadership, through coaching, the effective leader is created through practice, through communication and the courage to have new conversations. If you are ready for the change then you can consciously create new possibilities. This is what leaders do! They envision new possibilities and gain commitments for the fulfillment of these possibilities in the space of new conversations.
Are you ready to generate the effective leadership qualities for you and your team? I’d love to hear from you!
References
- von der Heydt, A. (2013). The 17 Qualities And Views Of Great Leaders. Retrieved from: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131017164718-175081329-the-17-qualities-and-views-of-great-leaders
- Amirthalingam, T. (2014). Effective Leadership. Retrieved from: /effective-leadership