What makes a good leader?
Are your leadership skills at the ready?
Leadership qualities come in different sizes and packages. History reminds us of Churchill, John F Kennedy and then there was Ghandi and Nelson Mandela; all great leaders in their respective roles, albeit with hugely differing styles of leadership and agendas.
But how do we decide when a leader is caring and wants to help and inspire others and when they are power hungry, out to control and doesn’t care about running rough shod over others?. Clearly, Adolf Hitler and Stalin were driven in a different way with a different agenda to Mother Teresa or Florence Nightingale. Well it takes all kinds to make a world, as they say!
But closer to home, leadership roles come in many guises as we know; from being a parent, to employer, manager, team leader, club captain, teacher or president of this or that. All of us can find leadership qualities in us without having the desire to take over the world.
But what makes a good leader or better still a great one?
What qualities do they have? Why do people follow them, believe in them and support them? Why and when would they be loyal to them? In what circumstances would their loyalty be stretched too far?
We could argue that lasting leadership skills are quite difficult to define – or even maintain over a large period of time.
People can be fickle, or change their minds. What would suit them for a while may no longer suit them later on – and then what?
Perhaps human nature is to follow a leader for as long as it suits, then question and toss aside when they’ve had enough, or are ready for change. They are no longer prepared to believe and trust them.
Have you considered, what your your top 5 leadership qualities are? Be it what you demonstrate as a leader or are comfortable following in others?
Here are a few of mine I’d like to share with you now – they may differ from yours and if so I would be interested to know how yours compare. They are not however, taken from personal development books, autobiographies and any similarity to such, is coincidental.
They are based on what has worked for me and successful individuals I have watched throughout 30years of self employment.
- Vision: If we don’t have the ability to see ahead, dream and set goals, we aren’t going to be too successful in leading our flock to the destination. It takes forward thinking, planning and a sense of adventure to pull this one off. But hugely exiting for those who possess it!
- 2. Courage: It gets us through the rough patches, when others doubt us, or when plan A does not quite work out. It is also our strength, our shield and our ability to carry on believing in our self and our team around us. Often it takes courage to review plans and face reality if things are not working out.
- 3. Honesty: Anyone who believes they can lead from the front indefinitely without being honest is short sighted! It is vital to be open with your team, troops and comrades. Nothing erodes respect faster than an inability to trust. Even children can sense when a parent is dishonest or hiding something or telling lies. ‘Honesty is the best policy’ is a great maximum to live life with. It has a calming, levelling and reassuring effect on all those involved who want to get things done.
- 4. Perseverance: No one has claimed that being a leader would be plain sailing without setbacks. Therefore perseverance is that vital ingredient to make it to the desired outcome. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is always a useful reminder as it can be lonely at the top. Start what you finish – even if the route there has to alter along the way. Be a finisher not a quitter.
- 5. Humility: Probably the most challenging one for us all! How on earth do we have vision, courage, honesty, perseverance but still have time for humility?
Here is my take on it – possessing humility is the secret weapon, the trump card, sometimes even the ‘get out of jail’ card to success! Humility is the bi product of self confidence with integrity. When we are comfortable with ourselves leading, there is no need to be overly controlling, dictatorial and uncaring. And the bonus here? The more humility we show to our team about our successes the more loyal the team become, the more dedicated they desire to be and the more willing they are to be led as they see us as a role model, they are in safe hands and feel unthreatened.
That makes leading others so much more easy, effective and enjoyable – for all! And if youi enjoy being led, you will appreciate those qualities too!
Have a great week!
Billy
