Searching for the Ideal leader
When you are at work, do you ever get frustrated because things don’t seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but not getting much accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you ever begin to feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Well, perhaps it’s time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around waiting for orders. And it isn’t hard to fall into a follow-the-leader mentality. But perhaps, somewhere deep inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe you should figure out if leadership suits you.
It is an ongoing debate whether truly good leaders are made or born. Some people believe that great leaders can only be made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. But, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no opportunity to develop and grow in leadership.
And, remember that good leaders are always working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a certain level of commitment. It is no simple undertaking to work to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
Definition
We must first start by defining leadership. To be a leader, you must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. It means that you contribute to the organization and cohesion of your group.
The Ideal Leader
1. Not about Power. Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power or entitlement. It is not about irritating people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others to work 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, and not a boss or a manager. These are different jobs.
2. Getting Followers. To be a leader, you must have followers. How is this accomplished?
People follow others because they can see a clear sense of purpose in them. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. There was once a bumper sticker that read, “Don’t follow me, I’m lost too?” The same holds true for leadership. If you do not know where you’re headed nor act as if you know, chances are people will not follow you.
3. Understanding and casting Vision. You must know and understand the vision of the organization. You must maintain a clear sense of the “chain of command”, 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 force or coerce others to do. It’s about who you are, what you know, and what you actually do. You are a reflection of what you’re subordinates must be. You must model the behavior you would like to see in others.
4. Trust and relationships. Studies have shown that one of the other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence others have in you. If they trust you they will stick with you through hell and high water- for you and for the organization.
I can use myself and my office staff as an example here. My staff is very loyal to me; we have been together for many years. When the economy took a downturn, they stuck it out with me. In return, I helped negotiate positions for each of them in the new, larger organization that recruited me. I could have taken a different road and spent all that time negotiating a higher salary for myself, or more money for the items that I owned. But I owed them much more than that. I am pleased to say that most of us are still together, learning and growing in the new environment. I am also pleased to say that some of our “flavor” has rubbed off on the organization.
Trust and confidence are built on good relationships, trustworthiness, high ethics, and integrity.
The way you deal with people, and the relationships that 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 and the more you can rely on them.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you plan to undertake together
5. Communication. Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you cannot lead. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly conveyed to other people.
6. Judgment and Discernment. You also can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations fairly, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your colleagues will come to rely upon. Good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.
7. No Lone Rangers. Leaders are not do-it-all super-heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should never rely upon your skills alone.
You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents of all the people around you. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit, as a real team.
8. Hard work required. 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, the team, the company.
Conclusion
So, before you step up to that next level of leadership, the questions that you should be asking yourself are:
Do I 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. Take your stand and begin your journey to becoming an ideal leader today.
Thoughts?
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frogdna/6242330732/sizes/z/in/photostream/ (yes, that’s optimus prime :))
