Becoming a leader is not as enjoyable as it sounds, it comes with great responsibility. It is not easy to manage a lot of people and be responsible for all the things that has been shouldered to you. As what Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
The most important words Emerson stated that being a leader, you should be able to give HONEST answers, RESPECT, APPRECIATE and MOTIVATE others. I have been a leader before, and it was not easy I tell you. It takes guts, determination and perseverance, I have been there and I know what it’s like. What I learned when I was a Leader, I was able to learn how to deal with difficult situations, accept and acknowledge ideas from other people, motivate them and be a responsible person.
What is a Leader and Leadership? Many has wondered about this and this is what I found:
What is a Leader?
1. a person who leads.
2. a person who has commanding authority or influence.
3. a person who has followers.
What is Leadership?
1. Those entities that perform one or more acts of leading.
2. The ability to affect human behavior so as to accomplish a mission.
3. Influencing a group of people to move towards its goal setting or goal achievement.
Below are some helpful tips and skills on developing great leadership qualities:
1. Learn Decision Making Skills. Great leaders have the ability and courage to make decisions. Some people hold back from making unpopular decisions. In addition, other people fear making a wrong decision. However, a good leader realizes that he or she will sometimes make a wrong decision. Rather than dwell on a wrong choice, they learn from their mistakes and move forward.
2. Motivate. Persons who lead a team or organization can usually motivate or upbuild others. In order to inspire someone else, leaders recognize the main objective or common goal, and wholeheartedly believe in a vision. In turn, they can motivate their team to action.
3. Learn to Listen. A good leader will come up with useful ideas. However, a great leader will also listen to his or her team and take their ideas and thoughts into consideration.
4. Recognize personal shortcomings. Great leaders make mistakes. Rather than feel that your feelings and opinions are always right, take a candid look at your behavior and traits. Identify your faults and accept constructive criticism.
5. Improve oral communication skills. Effective leaders can express their thoughts and visions in a clear and understandable manner. Take public speaking courses, practice speaking aloud, slow down and think before you speak.
6.Be a risk taker. There are risk associated with every decision. Some people avoid risky situations and always take the safe road. However, a great leader knows that certain risks are worth taking.
7. Be trustworthy. We want leaders who are honorable, dependable and responsible. To be a good leader, it is important to possess these traits. Others will recognize these fine qualities, and be inclined to respect your leadership role and achieve the overall goal.
I hope this will help others as it has help me and be able to develop good qualities of a great leader. As what Vince Lombardi said: “Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
