There is an almost global consensus about a dearth of complete absence of leadership in all areas of endeavour. Of course, nowhere else is this most obviously stark as among political leaders (most likely due to the klieg lights beamed eternally on their lives and activities), but the reality is that lots of today’s leaders in and out of government circles lack the innate attributes and requisite skills required to motivate their followers on a daily basis.
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From private homes to the tiniest SMEs, to the most tastefully arranged open-plan office, to the most meticulously chosen board of directors, to government offices, the quality of leadership has dropped abysmally. The results are all-too-glaring. Productivity levels are at an all-time low, with establishments tottering like a rudderless ship and subordinates increasingly appearing like sheep without shepherds.
Remember that we all can get away with a lot, and still be “successful” in life but please, let’s take a look at a few of the most important things any leader must do (in no particular order).
1. A Leader Must Improve In Communication
A leader’s communication must be concise, unambiguous and direct. The leader’s words must be clear and actionable without causing undue friction or jeopardising existing rapport.
2. A Leader Must Learn To Delegate
Any leader who really means to succeed must build a strong and trusted support network. He should cultivate dependable subordinates and delegate responsibilities to them.
3. A Leader Must Be Good In Conflict Management
Challenges will arise on a daily basis. A good leader must have a huge store of empathy (among other skills) with which to resolve conflicts and ensure that the workplace remains conducive for honest and constructive engagements.
4. Motivation
Any leader who cannot, through thick and thin; bring out the best from his direct reports, requires to be led. Motivation has worked overtime. Some people see it as a form of siege mentality where leaders literally disinter success from the ashes of a setback.
5. Every Leader Must Inspire and Influence
This is both an innate and learned skill. Getting people to do exactly what you need them to do. A good leader must be able to achieve this without appearing dictatorial. Followers should yield of their own accord.
6. Genuine Concern- The Heart of A True Leader
A leader must exhibit genuine concern for the feelings and needs of followers. This encourages followers to be more innovative when they know that they’re not just a part of office furniture.
7. A good leader unleashes potentials.
She sets the tone and leans back to see her followers flourish. She allows them to stumble and fall, and then pick themselves up again.
8. Good leaders promote the winners and fire the losers.
9. Experience (could be personal or gained from other people’s insights) is the best teacher. It boosts the leader’s armoury of knowledge.
10. A Leader Must Be Able To Engage Stakeholders
A political leader should hold regular consultations with staff and citizens to tell them what they need to know and get to know about their concerns first-hand. A business leader must liaise with customers, employees and investors.
Editor’s Note:
This post was first published on the author’s blog and republished here with permission.
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Ifegwu-Mbonu Victor