Essentials of leadership

chika ebuzor

June 14, 2015 1:57 PM

Leadership is not positional. It is influential. You are a leader as long as you set out to make positive impact in the lives of people.

Essentials of leadership.

Leadership is a call to responsibility. You are a leader if you can bring people to believe what you believe in, or cause them to aspire to your aspirations.

Leadership is not positional. It is influential. A leader points the organisation in a direction, and also shows his followers how to get there.

Leaders take responsibility. They do not blame others. The best way to influence others is to live by example. Leaders do what is right and not what is easy at the time. In your chosen field, show the highest level of excellence, not because you want a promotion.

To be a good leader, you have to understand that:

1. Leadership begins with you: Our lives are defined by small daily acts of improvement. Every human being is a leader, and in you is the ability to lead, no matter the level at which you find yourself. Leadership is not about the position you hold, it is about doing your best to improve yourself, and those around you.

2. Leaders put others first: The secret of great leadership is to appreciate people. Business success and nation building is hinged on building positive relationships. Leaders build relationships, celebrate others and give room for failure.

A great leader is like the sun. The sun gives up itself to nourish plants, and in turn, the plants grow towards the direction of the sun. Treating people well makes the difference. The behaviour you most celebrate in people will be the most repeated.

Some tips for leading with relationships.

A. Be real: People love a leader who is real and sensitive. The best leaders are sensitive and considerate leaders. For someone to be able to run with your vision, they have to know you care for them.

B. Meet the people: Build a relationship with your people by getting to know them beyond their work schedule. Be interested in their personal details-birthdays, anniversaries, children’s names, hobbies etc.

C. Say please and thank you: Good manners and mutual respect fuels every relationship. These two words express your appreciation and respect. For you to get the best out of people, you must let them know you appreciate them.

D. Under-promise and over-deliver: This strategy builds credibility among team members and credibility breeds trust. Trust is a well needed ingredient in building relationships.

4. Leave a legacy: When you leave the face of the earth, or that organisation what will you be remembered for?

Leaders leave a legacy for others to follow. They leave the world better than they met it. A wise man leaves an inheritance for his children.

chika ebuzor