Leadership

Leadership is important for leaders, but not only. We are all leaders. We need to lead our live and manage our affairs.

What are the traits of a good leader? What traits does a good leader want their staff to display?

No list of traits is complete or beyond dispute, however this one, my creation, will go a long way.

A good leader:

Feels ‘In Charge’ – For any issue / challenge / opportunity a leader knows it is up to him/her to tackle it. It is his/her job, and nobody else’s, to deal with it. Key words: Initiative, Energy, Pragmatism.

Subscribes to ‘Goal Orientated Action’ – This requires Step1: The long-term goal for the team is defined and articulated. Step2: Well-defined action plan is in place. Step3: Energy and discipline is applied to execute the action plan Step4: Regular review.
You want to spend 80% of your time with Step3. Real progress is achieved in this phase only. The other steps are important, however it is thinking, discussing, meeting only, nothing really happening.

Shows ‘Responsibility’ – Enjoy the credits when goals are achieved, accept it as own responsibly if goals are not achieved. Key words: Don’t blame people and circumstances for underachieving goals. Take it upon yourself to achieve the goals nevertheless. After all, a good leader feels ‘In Charge’.

Has ‘Integrity’ – According to my Webster’s dictionary integrity is uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.