It's often said that it takes a certain type of person to be a great leader. These individuals exhibit qualities like passion, integrity, a take-charge attitude and the ability to inspire others. Employers and executives recognize this, and these "born leaders" are often first in line for promotions to leadership roles.
But people with leadership potential don't simply become leaders overnight. It's up to existing leaders to train the next generation, showing them how to guide a group of people toward a specific vision or goal.
Becoming a leader means winning the hearts and minds of people: mainly through (1) care, real interest in people, objectivity and support, (2) a compelling vision and strategy with a pragmatic roadmap, (3) the ability to mobilize the means, resources and talent necessary to deliver on the plan, (4) achieve the objective, and (5) ensure that everyone receives the fair share of reward for the success.
Successful leaders are the role model for helping others succeed. Leaders have a high energy level, share and adhere to a clear set of values, are balanced and predictable, listen and communicate well, lead from the front, inspire to perform, relate, enable - leaders take tough decisions and the blame but share the glory.
Good leaders influence organizations and are influenced by the people they are leading - through mutual respect and learning experiences. Leaders need to ensure the short and the long term well-being and success of individuals, teams and organizations.
Leadership Skills Include Taking the Good with the Bad.:
Learn From Your Failures - Great leaders learn from their mistakes. Analyzing what went wrong in a failed operation is a tried and tested way to help prevent it from happening again.
Accept Responsibility - Leaders give others due credit for successes and take responsibility for their own shortcomings and failures.
Leaders Help Others Grow.:
Groom Your Successors - Developing a new generation of leaders is essential to your success. You can't climb higher if there is no one to take your place - so don't be afraid to delegate responsibilities and groom your successors. Giving up control is a sign of a confident leader.
Provide Direction - Achieving business goals requires hard work and collaboration. As a leader, it's your job to motivate your people to work toward the company's goals. Inspiring teams means painting a clear picture of what success means for the company - and for each employee. It takes time and energy to learn what motivates each person, but that's what true leaders do.
Earning Respect Is a Leadership Skill
Be Trustworthy - Many people have problems giving trust to others in the workplace.To earn this trust from others, it will help to be honest and transparent. Always stick to your word.
Be Authentic - If possible, try to stay in touch with your inner, real self. Recognizing both your talents and your shortcomings can be an important path to authenticity. When you're aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and when you acknowledge what you don't know, people are more likely to offer their help.
Leaders Are Effective Communicators and Collaborators.:
Embrace Self-Expression - Don't be afraid to ask questions, speak openly and honestly, and give praise when it's deserved (or simply needed). Giving up a little control over your words might cause people to open up and connect with you.
Collaborate - Most companies rely on teams of individuals collaborating toward a common goal. Good leaders not only provide guidance and support, but are willing to pitch in and help. They also know how to draw out team members' talents and make them feel valued - which, in turn, may make them feel more invested in the company's success.
Exude Confidence - Many great leaders have an air of confidence, make decisions quickly and are unafraid of risk. These things can't happen if you're hindered by doubt or feelings of inadequacy. Take the steps to build your confidence, which can give you greater control over your career.
Join in Extracurricular Activities - Outside activities can help to enhance work relationships, make you look like a real human (as opposed to an intimidating authority figure) and may enable you to really know your coworkers.