A Harvard professor specializing in leadership often emphasized, “A leader is one who brings about changes successfully,” underscoring the importance of success in leadership endeavours.
A leader is someone who meticulously plans and executes a vision or idea. Born leaders do so instinctively, while those who acquire or chance upon leadership roles achieve success through effort and application. So, what traits must a leader acquire, develop, enhance, and sometimes shun to be successful? While many traits are essential, a few stand out as universal across the leadership spectrum.
Listening
Listening is perhaps more crucial than speaking. A good listener conserves energy by understanding others fully, reducing the need to ask questions. Listening reveals much about the person you’re engaging with and should be active rather than passive, except when required for strategic reasons. A leader who listens commands both respect and awe.
Speaking
Effective speaking cannot be overstated. It enables a leader to convey ideas and views clearly. Winston Churchill, for instance, achieved great success partly due to his eloquence, having meticulously honed his speaking skills. Effective speaking is a non-negotiable skill for leaders.
A leader must also master the art of conversation, engaging with peers, superiors, opponents, and followers differently. Attentiveness, engagement, and the appropriate tone for each audience are crucial.
Team Building
No great leader succeeds alone; they rely on a trusted group of followers—a team. In modern terms, this is team building. A team achieves far more collectively than individuals can. Building a team involves everyone in visualizing, planning, and execution, but the leader must steer the vision and direction. Effective team building creates synergy and makes reaching goals less arduous.
Lavish in Praise
A leader is a hard taskmaster but should never let anger or disappointment show. Speech is a potent tool; encouragement and praise are far more effective than harsh criticism, which can damage morale and team spirit. Great leaders are respected and revered, seldom feared.
Vision and Thinking
As a leader, your objectives surpass the usual potential and capabilities of individuals. Your role isn’t to work as a superhuman but to ensure your team performs to its best under your guidance. A leader envisions and thinks beyond what others can, delegating tasks and trusting the team to execute well. A leader works hard but avoids tasks that the team can handle, focusing instead on strategic oversight.
Generosity and Forgiveness
Great leaders own up to failures and credit their teams for successes. While unforgiving leadership may yield short-term gains, a lasting legacy comes from being generous and forgiving. Small mistakes should be overlooked, and even minor contributions praised graciously.
A leader is flexible but principled, exceptionally motivated, and tirelessly patient in motivating others. They never tire or give up, embodying perseverance and resilience.
In conclusion, a leader’s success hinges on a blend of listening, speaking, team building, praise, vision, and forgiveness. By mastering these traits, you can lead effectively and inspire your team to achieve greatness.
scribo ad LX 