What it takes to be “The” Leader?
What is it that takes to be “The” leader? The world has pondered
over this question since time immemorial. While pondering, we have also scrutinized
and analysed the leaders that have existed. We love to criticize them and always
hold onto the thought that we would turn out to be better leaders than our
present leaders.
Think about it, doesn't everyone want to be a leader at least
once? Unfortunately, we work under the impression that we are / will be good
leaders. Because, this is fueled by our own “idea” of what a good leader is.
So, how do you find out if your “idea” is synonymous to the
world’s idea? Well, we have highlighted 5 major skills or competencies that are
the markings of a good leader.
Shared Leadership
Being a leader is so much more than leading a team to achieve
their goals. As a leader, your job is to know your organization’s vision and
mission and constantly drive it within the team. To be a leader who is result
oriented or profit oriented, you need to be able to connect with your team and
counterparts at a personal level. You need to synergize partnerships with your
stakeholders and most importantly, your customers. If you can create a bond
with your customers then you can drive your team to please the customers as
well. Being a leader is perceived as a solitary task and it sometimes is.
However, a good leader will always bring people in together and then act rather
than dictate what needs to be done. The central idea is be the leader who is a
good follower.
Self Discovery
Who likes a leader who doesn't lead by example? It’s an age
old wisdom that is often spoken but the meaning has become redundant. A leader
is good only if s/he “Walks the Talks”. Live by your principles and preach
them. Only then, will you have a team in sync with you. Be aware of your strengths
and weakness. A leader is admired and respected if s/he accepts their
limitations. Humility is a good trait to have in a leader. Be humble enough to
open yourself up to learning new methods, but, always have passion to be the
best. The key is to be humble and passionate which the team then perceives as
approachable.
Supports People Development
Be a leader for the people. Easier said than done! Good
leaders have good teams. Be a coach and mentor to your team. Empower by giving
the space to explore and express. Demand excellence and motivate your team to
constantly achieve more. However, in the end, be the leader who realizes that
his or her team is humane and have issues far larger than work, as that’s the
leader who is voted as the “best boss of the year”.
Strives for Results
All the talk about being people oriented and discovering
oneself is moot if you can’t drive results. It’s your task to set goals and
find solutions. It’s your
Strategic Innovation
Lastly, be a leader who lives, breathes and drives change. Don’t
be the person who is comfortable with a system, so settles in and gets old
living it. Be the change or be the one to help change. To state the cliché,
change is the only permanent in life. You, as the leader, need to not only
invite innovative ideas but also help your team to come up with ways to
implement them.
In the end, be the captain who is approachable, humble,
result oriented and drives change. To be an exceptional leader, use these 5
skills in tandem and you will have solutions to all problems you might face.
Being a leader is easy, but being ‘The’ leader makes your team and you reach
new heights.