Leadership is a quality that can be acquired. It is just a matter self-study, developing, educating, training, and gaining experience that can groom a person into a great leader. But, interpersonal skills are also of paramount importance. Possessing the desire to know what conscious leadership is, and never getting exhausted of developing better skills is mandatory for anyone who desires to be a leader and an example to others.
Observing the leadership abilities of others and opting to act or perform likewise or contrariwise can also help individuals develop leadership qualities.
Leaders who acknowledge that their reputation is dependent upon how well they create success with their team are the ones who flourish.
Hiring Quality Leaders
Leaders possessing qualities like communication skills, emotional intelligence, the ability to listen well, engage, motivate, having integrity, delegate and being interested in the company’s plan for growth are the priority for any company.
Being a great leader does not mean being more intelligent or possessing all the skills needed, but having the desire to work hard to achieve what they lack. Their interpersonal skills are what make up for what might be missing in the technical area. This, however, does not mean that leaders do not need technical skills but it is important for companies to balance leadership abilities and tech skills.
Awareness in interpersonal needs is a chief factor required when leading others. Good leaders may have a great volume of experience but cannot they get the job done by themselves and so must allow others to contribute to the process, or else the job will go unfinished or issues unresolved.
A good leader gets work done by utilizing all capabilities, putting the right people to work on the right thing, and also teaching additional skills where needed.
Traits of Great Leader
There are certain qualities and perception of a great leader:
- Have the ability to unveil the best in others.
- Do not emphasize that they are “boss”.
- Acknowledge that without the team, their work is incomplete.
- Accept counsel and take a little criticism themselves, without being offended.
- Can acknowledge that everyone can learn something new or different that might be beneficial.
- Loves to see others grow in skills and abilities.
- Give credit to others.
- Will train those who need it, without making them feel inadequate.
- Listens to the team and encourages it to have mutual respect.
- Can handle the crisis without blaming others, regardless of who is to blame. They remain calm and try to learn from the situation as well as teach.
- Refuses to take all the credit alone and is also willing to take responsibility for something going wrong.
- Recognizes the team member’s needs and feelings — has empathy.
- Works with integrity in all their daily actions.
“Don’ts” of Leaders
Being just the manager or someone who bosses others and sits around watching or giving direct orders is not a trait of effective leadership. A true leader gains the respect of their team and influences others to grow into leaders themselves.
“If your actions inspire others, to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
Even The Largest Army Is Nothing Without A Good General.
A good leader recognizes the abilities of each person on the team and acknowledges that some people need more time to take it all in and catch on with little effort. They support, and give feedback, without making that person feel inferior or less experienced.