Get Now the Best Guidebook to Building Good Leadership Skills November 5, 2008
Posted by janey in : leadership , comments closedHow to Become an Ideal Leader
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. 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.
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 (free communication skills discussed here).
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.
How To Achieve Effective Leadership Skills September 22, 2008
Posted by janey in : leadership , comments closedEffective Leadership Skills
A common question many people moving up the ladder in their career have is about effective leadership skills. Though I believe these can be learned, I also believe that this is something that you are born with. There are certain traits that every human being has, and every person is different. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses, and we often have to learn to deal with what we are given. Leadership is one of those things that is so abstract that no one can really put a finger on the reason it is so strong in some and is existent in others.
I have always thought that effective leadership skills were something that you saw in a person at a very young age. If you have a four or five year old child who seems to be very natural at leading other children in play, you can expect that when they grow up they will have effective leadership skills. Though there are some circumstances in life that may negate this talent, for the most part, these children will be the ones who will maintain this sort of confidence later in life.
I have read many articles on effective leadership skills, and I have seen that many people like to disagree about what exactly that means. To me, effective leadership skills are ones that draw people together without negativity or force to move towards a common good or goal. These people who have effective leadership skills can do this very thing with relative ease. It is not a skill that they learned anywhere, it is something that they have and have always had with them.
However, I do believe that effective leadership skills can be taught to a point. If you must learn the skills, you may not have the natural grace and power of someone who was born with them, but you can be an effective leader. You can learn how to lead people in a positive way, but you cannot learn self-confidence. If you’re working on your effective leadership skills, perhaps the first thing you should work on is your self-confidence. You have to learn to believe in yourself and your ability to make snap decisions. You also have to believe that you can make good decisions, and that people will want to help you. Once you get the confidence part taking care of, the rest may come naturally to you.
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