What is leadership?
And what makes it effective
So what?
What image comes to your mind when you think of the word “leadership”? Do you think of a leader such as Martin Luther King, Jr. or someone like Adolf Hitler? Leaders set direction of others, build vision and create new, exciting things. Being an effective leader, whether at home or work, does the following:
- Aspires vision for the future;
- Inspires and motivates those that follow you to follow that vision;
- Develops and guides your followers to be more effective at helping you achieve that vision; and
- Delivers the vision.
Example
The first of the five characteristics of what makes you an effective leader is the way you model yourself to others. It means that you are prepared to take the first step and practice the behaviours you want those that are following you to replicate. You need to set an example that are consistent with your principles and values. Lead by example, so they say.
Share your vision
A vision is only as good as your ability to share and communicate your vision which will allow those that you are leading to get on board. An effective leader is focused on the future and don’t sell him or herself short when appealing to the interests, dreams and values of those around them.
Encourage
People seek out recognition and celebration. There is no doubt that you do the same. As a leader, you must share successes, wins and passions of your own and, more importantly, of those around you. Encouragement through recognition and celebration stirs up excitement for others to act and be engaged to you and your vision’s success and goals.
Enablement
Collaboration is key to any relationship including you and your family, friends and colleagues. A one-sided relationship is unbalanced and lead to setbacks and hardships. Sharing power, information and wins strengthen your followers by increasing their discretion to act and visibility of you and your vision.
Challenge
Out with the old, in with the new. Great leaders challenge the current way of doing things and actively seek out improvement opportunities. They also foster an environment whereby others are encouraged to take risks, experiment new things and learn from their mistakes.
My experience
When I became a manager at a Big Four accounting firm in my 20’s, I was hard on my junior team teams and occasionally cracked the whip. Work got done and we were productive. But it did not last long. We were burnt out. I was constantly pulling on the rope, up bill, and my junior team members were not motivated, tired and lacked innovation. After I left and before I joined another organisation, I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Whilst I don’t have all 7 habits or characteristics, I’m proud to say that I’m good at challenging the process, leading by example and enabling others to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
What now?
- What kind of leader are you? Are you an effective leader in your household, amongst your friends and in your workplace?
- Be on the look out for the upcoming post on practical steps that you can take to become an effective leader.