Right now is the time for leadership, whether it’s at work or in your home. People need strength, and someone to aspire to.
But what is a leader?
There are thousands of definitions of leadership, google it and you will find pages upon pages of definitions.
One of my favourites by Warren Bennis is
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
In this series of articles, vision and planning are recurring themes, simply because you can’t lead anyone if you don’t know where you are going.
Are you an effective leader?
“Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.” Stephen Covey
Effective Leaders know not only what to do, but when to do it.
Ask yourself what qualities make a great leader?
Take some time to think about that.
Now list them, and measure your behaviours against your own criterion.
Did it make you feel uncomfortable?
Are you falling short in some of those qualities you identified?
I have listed some below (most of you will simply skip the thinking part) because:
‘thinking is the hardest work there is, which is why so few people engage in it’ -Henry Ford.
But leadership is about doing the stuff that other people will not do, leaders are not born they choose to take the role when the opportunity presents its self.
If that’s you, and the time is now, think about the good and the bad leaders you have encountered what made them good leaders, what made them ineffective?
I always lost respect for the leader who blamed somebody or something else for the decisions they were taking.
Some Leadership Qualities
Authentic
Brave
Calm under pressure
Decisive
Encouraging
Flexible in approach, and outlook.
Honesty
Integrity
Knowledgable
Measured
Nurturing
Open
Persistent
Supportive
Tactful
Understanding
Versatile
Willing
Try doing your own list if you haven’t already done so
Which Leadership qualities do YOU think are important in your team/family?
Leadership can be measured in the quality of the people who choose to follow you, your team or family is simply a reflection of your values.
So if you are not getting the results you expected from your team, consider your own behaviours, what example are you setting, could you improve in any of the areas of leadership you identified.
“Leadership is about taking responsibility and not making excuses.”
What is your vision, how are you planning to get there, and how are you going to inspire others to come with you?