Leaders and leadership

Well, first of all we must ask ourselves such questions: Who we can name a leader? What qualities should the real leader possess? Why people need leaders?

All these questions are very important nowadays, because almost everyone wants to become a leader. Leadership is an inseparable item of our fast-moving world; the world of high technology, of international business, fast-growing economy, international tourism, the influential “Forth Estate”, of multiculturalism. In order to keep pace with our fast-changing, competitive world we should know how to become a leader. So let’s try to find the answer!

So, the first question is “Who is a leader?” In the dictionary we can find such a definition of a leader. LEADER – is a person who guides or directs a group of people and who makes the most important decisions. In other words it’s a person who stays under the leadership of others. I suggest that everyone, to some degree, wears the hat of a leader, even if it is self-leadership (which, to my point of view, is the most important leadership of all).

Another question is “What qualities should the real leader possess?”

He must be:

1. Self Starter - Leaders are made, not found. 2. Ability to see the big picture - vision.

3. Selector of good people - People are the most important asset. 4. Trainer of people - Motivator - Build a team. 5. Good communicator - Good listener. 6. Risk taker.

7. High energy level - hard work is the only career plan. 8. Sense of Humor - Doesn't take himself/herself too seriously. 9. Strategic thinker.

There are 3Cs associated with leadership: communication, confidence and charisma.

Communication is one of the most important tools a leader has. Providing incentives is one way, but great leaders are also able to articulate and frame the issues in a way that their audience can understand and relate to-- and in a way that respects the audience.

Great leaders understand the direction their organization is headed, and know where the opportunities are coming from, as well as threats. Resistance to change is a natural process, and leaders will feel it often. However, great leaders see this as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than an obstacle or something to overcome.

Gifted leaders have high emotional intelligence-- they need to empathize with others and appreciate their ideas and concerns. Being a leader always means taking risks and responsibility for other people.

To be a good leader is a hard job. It includes some inborn qualities, some acquired features, commitment to serve. So being a leader means to live for others all the time.

Speaking about leadership I cannot but mention the difference between leadership and dictatorship because these two notions are quite different. To lead means to do something with the will of the people. Leadership must destroy your uncertainty and encourage you to do something. Dictators don’t do anything with the will of the people they just make everybody do what they want. Also, we should distinguish between leader and organizers, because organizers usually deal with paper work and their main goal is to organize people on some occasion. All in all, a leader must win hearts and minds.

But why people need leaders? First of all, a leader has the ability to see where the organization needs to go and inspires people in that way. But also there is a natural feature of character of all people to blame someone for their problems and failures. And in that case they usually blame the leader, so we just need someone to blame. Moreover, many people need a leader who will take the responsibility for their future and to my mind it’s very childish and immature.

In conclusion I would like to say that leadership is the ability to work hard and get real results, to set goals and obtain them. I think that leadership is a great responsibility, rather than a privilege. Because when things go wrong (and they always do) leaders are always the scapegoats. So, personally I would вnot like to become a leader.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14