How to Become a Good Leader!

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:07:57 EST

It is now conclusively established that great leaders are made,not born.

Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However,without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience,there can be no true development in leadership.

When you look around you, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to behappening the way they're supposed to be? People milling around without gettinganything accomplished. Politicians behave as if they own the country andstripping it off. In your organization every where you can see signs of apathy.And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain justthat - goals.

Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.

Most people are content just to stand around waiting to be told what to do.There are more followers, adopting a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe,somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen - to be thehead, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.

To be a good leaders one requires to continually work and study to improvenatural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whateverendeavor a person chooses.

First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, is to have the abilityto influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes tothe organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is notabout harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouragingothers towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the samepage and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be aleader not a boss.

Are you able to get the people to follow you? How do you accomplish this?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will onlyfollow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumpersticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds truefor leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances arepeople will not follow you at all.

You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense ofhierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goalsand objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show othersyou know what you are doing.

Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are,what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what your subordinatesmust be.

Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust andconfidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will gothrough hell and high water for you and for the organization.

Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and highethics. The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build willlay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger yourrelationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicatethe goals and objectives you are to undertake.

Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you cannot be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must beclearly imparted to other people.

You cannot be a good leader unless you have a good judgment. You must be ableto assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and activelyseek out a solution. It is this judgment that your subordinates will come torely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of yourorganization.

Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, andrely upon your skills alone. True leadership requires that you admit yourweaknesses and let the man best suited for the job take over. You shouldrecognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have.Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesiveunit.

Leadership is learnable skill. To be a leader takes a good deal of work andtime. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not just aboutyou. It is about you and the people around you.

Leadership is all about power. Leaders do not derive their power because ofposition. Power is the outcome a leader taking responsibility for all actionsof himself and the team or the organization. The moment you give up theresponsibility and pass the buck, you lose the power of leadership.

So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve as a leader? Do you have thedesire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your standand be a leader today.

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How to Become a Good Leader!