LEARNING TO LEAD
What makes a person a leader?
While the answer to this question depends on who you ask, there are probably some qualities that most people would agree that leaders must possess. But how much of leadership comes from inherent personal qualities and how much can be learned?
Let’s break it down.
On the one hand, for me a leader is a person of such high integrity, character and compassion that others would understandably be drawn to and want to follow this individual.
But these are not learned skills, rather they are traits ingrained within the individual’s persona. These are the qualities of what some might call a “natural born leader”. These are the characteristics of that elite group who rise to the top of their field as if it is a calling.
On the other hand, a leader must also know how to lead. To be a person of honor does not an automatic leader make. There are specific skills and abilities that leaders must have in order to guide their team.
These can be learned. And for me these abilities are encompassed in the simple phrase – LEAD.
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isten and learn. Too many people forget that communication is not just about talking. It’s about listening, too, in order to understand and learn about the world and the people in it. Leaders know this and use it wisely to gain information about their team, their customers, their vendors and their competition. |
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ncourage. Harvard psychologist William James said our greatest human need is the need for appreciation. Leaders know the importance of encouragement through regular acknowledgement and recognition. However, to encourage also means creating an environment where employees are encouraged to try new ideas. |
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ccept accountability. True leaders know that they are ultimately responsible for the outcome of any choice. But more important is the need to avoid finger pointing and blame. Instead a leader will determine the root cause of problems or poor results so as to understand and correct them. |
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evelop him or herself as well as others. A leader is not afraid to assist someone in reaching their fullest potential while recognizing that they, too, must never stop growing. |
