Do you want to become a respected leader but do not know where to start? Do you work in a company and ask yourself, how do I become a good leader?
If you have answered any of the 2 questions with a yes, then read on and I will give you some great pointers on how to achieve a good leadership role.
What is it to be a good leader?
Although it may seem obvious, it is not. If we were to do a random survey we would run in to answers like these:
- A person who commands others.
- A very charismatic person.
- A person who has the ability to be able to convince others.
- A person who is heard reverentially.
Luis Fernando Mises speaking about servant leadership at Anarchapulco
Characteristics that defines a good leader
As I mentioned above people have different views on what defines a good leader. While some sees the ability to give orders as a good trait others consider communication a more important one.
What then are the true defining characteristics of a leader?
A person can have many qualities, but to become a benchmark you must have a variety of attributes.
Confidence in yourself: This does not imply a lack of humility. But if a crisis situation arises, the leader must have enough confidence in him or herself to be able to make decisions without hesitation.
Capacity to make decisions: Linked in an indissoluble way to the previous one. It is not about being able to decide alone, you must also have criteria when doing it. Many bosses make arbitrary decisions that the team does not share or respect.
Communicative: it is impossible to be a good leader if you are not communicative. The leader is for his team, he needs to communicate with them to know everything that is going on. It is also necessary that you know how to convey the motivations you have when making certain decisions.
Emotional self-control: It's a pity, but many people will never become good leaders for this reason. A leader can not get upset or lose control of himself. No matter what the situation is, you must be able to act under pressure.
Work more than others: This point is curious because many people visualize the leader as a person who works little while his team falls apart. The reality is that it must be the opposite. The leader must always be the one who works the most and the one who most helps others when they are overwhelmed.
Planning and organization: Managing a team implies having the skills to coordinate people. You must control the entire process at all times.
Charismatic: Perhaps it is the characteristic of a better known leader. We all imagine the leader as a smiling and persuasive person.
Pleasant and educated: It is the person who represents the team and all their work, so it is important that you have spirit and are able to relate with ease.
Empathic: Also essential,, especially when it comes to understanding the members of your team. In order to get the maximum potential of the group you must always know the mood of each member.
Cooperative: You should always be there, ready to lend a hand or pitch in.
Fair: In any situation or problem you must be able to interpret what happens and make the fairest decision you can.
Responsible: if a person becomes a leader it is because they have gained the trust of others. This means taking responsibility for the actions and decisions of the team.
Optimistic: One of the leader's responsibilities, although not exclusive to him/her, is to keep the motivation of the team high. To achieve this, it is undoubtedly essential that you always maintain a positive attitude.
I would love to hear in the comments below what you think of these points. Do you disagree with any of them? Any important ones you feel are missing?