Rajendra Dhar
Everybody should know the fact that the absurd most leadership myth is that leaders are born, that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense. In fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.
Leadership is about tapping the wellspring of human motivation and about fundamental relations with one’s fellows. Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked, leadership is defined by results not attributes.
Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common : it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxieties of their people in their times. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.
A GOOD LEADER :-
1) Practises good communication. Good communication involves listening to what people have to say. Uses his active listening skills, making sure that he has really understood what is being conveyed to him. Asks appropriate questions where ever necessary to help understand and gather the information for the attainment of pre-set goals.
2) Is flexible with his leadership style as the inexperienced under him will need a more directive style than those who are experienced. Empowers and trusts the experienced to the extent necessary. Involves the knowledgeable & experienced in his decision making.
3) Builds trust as without trust there is no relationship. Does as he says he will and acts with integrity. Is human and authentic in his dealings with everyone.
4) Sets goals for those whom he commands. Gives them a vision, i.e. a something to strive for. With the inexperienced he may set the goals for them, with the more experienced discuss the goals with them. Makes sure that the goals he sets are specific, challenging yet attainable.
5) Communicates his expectations. Lets people know what is expected of them and cross checks that they have understood him thoroughly.
6) Assesses & figures out what it is that they need from him as their leader. Do they need direction or do they just need him to get out of the way of the firing line and provide support from behind and/or the sidelines.
7) Monitors the achievements of those whom he commands appropriately & fairly. The inexperienced will require closer monitoring than the more experienced.
8) Provides those whom he commands the feedback about them based on their achievements and/or failures. Feedback helps people specifically with the tasks they are involved with and also make them feel valued. Everyone likes to feel that what they are doing is worthwhile and valued.
9) It is very important that he engages the hearts as well as the minds of those whom he commands as it is this combination that delivers the impossible.
True leadership is about understanding people and involving them to help you achieve your goals. That takes all of the good characteristics, like integrity, being cool headed, dedication of purpose, selflessness, compassion, toughness where ever necessary, knowledge, skill, implacability, the will power & determination to succeed & to never accept failures.
