What makes a good leader?
Leadership demands progressive learning, and does not have set rules.
‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going.’
Over the years, the definition of leadership has changed. From being a ceremonious position, leadership has come down to the grass-root level. Today, the image of a leader is one who can be a common man. Then what is special about leadership? What is special is the journey of becoming a leader.
Nobody is a born leader; it is hard-earned experience that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Radhika Roy, the media baron, co-founder and managing director, NDTV, has consistently demonstrated how empires can be built by vision and self-belief. Easy as it may sound, the journey to becoming a good leader is tough. Leadership is all about collective growth and success.
A leader is a self-starter, a person around whom reolves the entire team. It is from the leader that the team draws energy, courage and the spirit to go ahead. He or she is the torch-bearer, the guide who leads the team to success. So what makes a good leader? Is there a set formula that can ensure making of great leaders? Unfortunately, leadership is not mathematics. It is the science of progressive learning and does not have set rules. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates followed different styles, but both remain classic examples of great leaders. Having said so, great leaders of the past and present reflect some common traits. Here are some qualities that aspiring leaders should imbibe:
Vision
Leadership requires farsightedness. The ability to see ahead and lead the team on the correct path is a skill which comes with experience. It is the intuition of the leader, the ability to learn from past mistakes and move accordingly that sets apart from the rest.
Integrity
The characteristic features of a leader define the establishment he drives. The employees and the organisation are a reflection of him. His innate values and learnings form the life-sap of the business. A leader with integrity builds an efficient team and a successful business, as well.
Commitment
A leader leads by example. What better way to do this than to shoulder the responsibility with the team? There is no greater motivation for the team than to see the boss working along, sharing the burden. A committed leader builds a committed team in the long run.
Creativity
It is the quality of the leader to do something beyond the ordinary that sets him apart. To take something of average quality and build something new out of it is a quality that leaders possess. After all, leadership is all about breaking the regular and moving out of the box.
Crisis Management
The true mettle of a leader is tested during crises. It is the way he handles challenges and turns them into opportunities that proves his worth as a leader. It is in trying times that the team looks up to its leader for guidance and support. Thus successful leadership calls for the ability to cruise through such difficult times and ensure success.
Team Player
A leader not only leads the team from the front, but also stands along with it. Only when a leader is a good team player can he become a successful leader. Understanding the team, bonding with them and sharing the work are some of the significant qualities of a leader that not only make him successful but an idol to his team. While it is true that time and experiences make a seasoned leader, it is always good to start early.
You don’t need a designation or authority to be a leader, all you need is courage to take up the responsibility and reach your goal. It is the faith in oneself and in one’s team that plays a key role in the long run. It is the charisma, the acumen and fine intellect that helps a leader build the road ahead.
So muster the courage and embark on your journey, for success awaits the bravehearts!
The author is business development lead, Hellointern.com.
