Many things have been said about true leadership and what makes an effective leader. In whatever time and age, the following attributes must be found in a leader:
- A leader must have clear ideas about what stakeholders want. The deliverables must be well-defined in terms of quantity, means, scope, and timeframe.
- A leader knows how to gain support from stakeholders, both internal and external. Stakeholders must be engaged to ensure that the organization gets their sustained support and financial backing.
- The organizational and functional structures define how the organization works. To be effective, a leader must be well-acquainted with the different units and how they relate with each other.
- Every organization has a culture. An effective leader recognizes this and knows how to make the most of it, or change it if there’s a need.
- An organization must have a vision to exist meaningfully. A leader must see this vision and must be able to bring the organization closer to it until it reaches its destination.
- A leader knows how to delegate because it’s a way of empowering others. Delegating doesn’t mean relief from a responsibility, it means letting others lead in their own ways, too, but with monitoring and guidance.
- People need recognition, and a leader knows when, and for whom, acknowledgment is due.
- When members of the organization falter, leaders aren’t quick to do the blame game. Instead, they identify areas of weaknesses and mistakes, and seek solutions.
- Members must be motivated, and a leader understands what motivates them.
- The common problem with many leaders is their failure to listen to the greater number of people. If a small group closes in on him, his views will be limited. A true leader takes time to seek out the thoughts of as many people, and in as many times, impart his views.
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Leaders come and go, but the most effective ones leave their mark on those who succeed them.