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How to Become an Ideal Leader
By Jacklyn | May 4, 2007
When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don’t seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that goals. Then, maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn’t unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.
You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let’s define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don’t follow me, I’m lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you’re headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization’s goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.
Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It’s about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you’re subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization.
Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics. The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.
Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.
You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.
So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.
Topics: General, Leadership, Personal Development | 7 Comments »
May 4th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Leadership is also about thinking. A good leader is able to think several steps ahead. It’s a skill that needs honing and development, but the kind of training that is involved often requires you to “absorb” the skills from a good mentor. Thinking includes strategic thinking, creativity and lateral thinking.
May 4th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Leadership is also about being able to influence or should i say, convince people naturally. A good leader has to be someone who not only have the ability to communicate verbally but also naturally, by all means, a simple gesture or expression would be more than enough to convey an important message as compared to a 1000 words spoken.
May 6th, 2007 at 9:06 am
[…] I was browsing through JackylnKer’s website and I think perhaps I could add on some points of my own on how to become an ideal leader. […]
May 6th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Thanks friends! It is your support and contributions here that add so much value to this blog!
Love from Jacklyn.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
In other words, a leader needs to set a good example. I believe that a leader also has to be genuine and sincere, respect ought to be earned naturally through the way he/she leads her life and walk the talk.
May 11th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Oh yes Doris, I fully agree with you that a leader has to walk his/her talk. As the saying goes ‘Action speaks louder than words’.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:50 am
The debate of nature verse nurture will always continue. I believe in karma.