Expounding a Groundbreaker

LEADERSHIP.

What is it? There are books that can give different views about this word. Some include How to lead? and The characteristics of a leader. But have you ever thought that you, yourself, can lead and be c leader? We have experiences in this life that can define who we are and can describe our growth through the circumstances and trainings we meet. Leading people is not an easy task as it re quires courage to take on responsibility. Leaders of today's time (especially student leaders) share their insights to those who aspire to become a leader and here are some that you should mull over:

1. Learn More about Your Leadership Style

Understanding your current leadership style is essential. What are your strengths? Which area do you need to improve? One way to start assessing your skills is to take a leader ship style quiz to get a general idea of how you lead. The net offers a wide range of leadership quiz, just be sure to take the appropriate ones. Once you have completed the quiz, read the major characteristics of your dominant style. Are these qualities helping or hindering your leadership? Once you've determined the area, you can begin looking ways to improve your leadership abilities.

2. Encourage Creativity

Intellectual stimulation is one of the hallma of transformational leadership. Followers need to be encouraged to express their creati ty. Effective leaders should offer new challen with ample support to achieve these goals. O way to foster creativity is to offer challenges t group members, making sure that the goals a within the grasp of their abilities. The purpos of this type of exercise is to get people to stren their limits, but not to become discouraged b barriers to success.

3. Serve as a Role Model

Idealized influence is one of the four key Icomponents of transformational leadership. Transformational leaders exemplify the behaviors and characteristics that they encourage their followers. They walk the walk and talk the talk. As a result, group members admire these leaders and work to emulate these behaviors. If you want to become a better leader, work on modeling the qualities that you would like to see in your team members.

4. Be Passionate

Look someone for guidance. Great leaders are not just focused on getting group members to finish tasks; they have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the projects they work on. Start by thinking of different ways that you can express your zeal. Let people know that you care about their progress. When one person shares something with the rest of the group, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate such contributions.

5. Listen and Communicate Effectively

Another important characteristic of transformational leadership involves a focus on providing one-on-one communication with group members. Good leaders should express sincere care and concern for the members of their group both verbally and nonverbally. By keeping the lines of communication open, these leaders can ensure that group members feel able to make contributions and receive recognition for their achievements.

6. Have a Positive Attitude

Transformational leaders have an upbeat, optimistic attitude that serves as a source of inspiration for followers. If leaders seem discouraged or pathetic, members of the group are likely to also be uninspired. Even when things look bleak and your followers start to feel disheartened, try to stay positive. It simply means maintaining a sense of optimism and hope in the face of challenges.

7. Offer Rewards and Recognition

A good leader knows that offering effective Arecognition and rewards are one of the bes ways to help followers feel appreciated and hap py. It may also come as no surprise that happy people tend to perform better at work.

8. Keep Trying New Things

Who says leadership is a one-way relation ship? As you work toward honing your leadership skills, don't forget to look to your followers for feedback and inspiration. Pay attention to the things that have been effective in the past and always be on the lookout for new ways to inspire, motivate and reward group members.

There you have it all. "The road to a million steps starts with a step" an adage says. Start by practicing one of these tips at a time. And don't forget to talk with people that you also look up as They will surely help you assess you on your leadership.

Be a leader!