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 be
happening the way they're supposed to be? People milling around without getting
anything accomplished. Politicians behave as if they own the country and
stripping 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 just
that - 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 the
head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
To be a good leaders one requires to continually work and study to improve
natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever
endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, is to have the ability
to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to
the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not
about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging
others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same
page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a
leader 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 only
follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper
sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true
for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are
people will not follow you at all.
You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of
hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals
and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others
you 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 subordinates
must be.
Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and
confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go
through hell and high water for you and for the organization.
Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high
ethics. The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will
lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your
relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate
the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can
not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be
clearly imparted to other people.
You cannot be a good leader unless you have a good judgment. You must be able
to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively
seek out a solution. It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to
rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your
organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and
rely upon your skills alone. True leadership requires that you admit your
weaknesses and let the man best suited for the job take over. You should
recognize 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 cohesive
unit.
Leadership is learnable skill. To be a leader takes a good deal of work and
time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not just about
you. It is about you and the people around you.
Leadership is all about power. Leaders do not derive their power because of
position. Power is the outcome a leader taking responsibility for all actions
of himself and the team or the organization. The moment you give up the
responsibility 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 the
desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand
and be a leader today.
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