Defining Leadership Characteristics

Defining leadership characteristics are not simple. This is because each leader has his own characteristics. However there are some common features required for an exemplary leader. A typical leader should know how to influence his team members to work hard and stay committed to achieve the overall organizational goals. A leader can be either task oriented or people oriented. Task oriented leader will be interested in training, performance and in winning. Whereas a people oriented leader will concentrate more on interpersonal relationship.

A leader must possess certain characteristics which he wants to incorporate into his team. The essential qualities of a leader are discipline, self confidence etc. As he is the role model for the followers, his movement will be keenly watched by others. Consequently, when performing everday task a leader must be careful, becasue he is constantly be observed.

Leaders are made by hard work, not born that way. Important leadership characteristics are work ethic and intelligence. Being able to use common sense in accomplishing complex tasks is mandatory of a leader when making decisions on a given situation. Selecting the right strategy to tackle the situation is a must for a leader. Willingness to accept changes and flexibility to various situations are critical to leadership

A good leader must be able to motivate his team members to achieve success. He must create excitement and confidence in accomplishing a task. He must be easily approachable to his subordinates. A great leader is one who is a master in the art of communication. He must be ready to listen to the words of his team members. Two way communication is therefore essential in leadership.

Pushing the entire effort of his team is a must for any leader. Using the full potential of each member should be within his capacity. To prove their skills, he must give opportunities to each team member.

A great leader is one who guides a team and not rules the team. One of the crucial leadership characteristics is providing a trusting and open environment to the team members. He should offer an environment to the team members to where they can learn and grow. A strong sense of vision is yet another characteristic of an excellent leader.

Apart from the above characteristics mentioned, a good leader must have the following characteristics:

1. Self esteem - To help face tough challenges a leader must possess the important quality of self esteem.

2. Need to achieve - being goal oriented and striving hard to achieve the goals is a must traits for a leader. Taking risks is in his nature. One who takes moderate and but not extreme risks is the mark of a good leader.

3. Screening for opportunity - Having the ability to screen opportunities as useful and useless are a must for a leader. He must also be able to grasp any small opportunity missed by his competitors.

4. Optimism - a good leader must be an optimist. Have the ability to see problems as challenges. A great leader will always view an obstacle as a way to a new direction.

5. Courage - one who has courage to face challenges is a trait of an outstanding leader. Risk taking is a crucial characteristic of a leader. Also, having the ability to make changes and to accept changes.

By: Jeffrey Smith

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