Characteristics Of Leadership

Defining leadership characteristics are not simple. This is because each leader has his own characteristics. However there are some common features required for an exemplary leader. A typical leader should know how to influence his team members to work hard and stay committed to achieve the overall organizational goals. A leader can be either task oriented or people oriented. Task oriented leader will be interested in training, performance and in winning. Whereas a people oriented leader will concentrate more on interpersonal relationship.

A leader must possess certain characteristics which he wants to incorporate into his team. The essential qualities of a leader are discipline, self confidence etc. As he is the role model for the followers, his movement will be keenly watched by others. Consequently, when performing everday task a leader must be careful, becasue he is constantly be observed.

Leaders are not born but made by hard work. Hard work and intelligence are important leadership characteristics. A leader must make decisions after analyzing each and every aspect of the situation and must be able to use common sense in accomplishing complex tasks. He must also know how to select the right strategy to tackle the situation. Adaptability to various situations and willingness to accept changes are crucial to leadership.

Being able to motivate his team members to achieve success is another trait of a good leader. He must generate excitement and confidence in completing a task. His subordinates must feel as like he is easy to approach. The art of communication and the ability to be a good listener is one some his greatest assets. Essential in leadership is two way communication.

A leader must be able to push the entire effort of his team. He should have the capacity to use the full potentiality of each member. He must give opportunities to team members to prove their skills.

A great leader is one who guides a team and not rules the team. One of the crucial leadership characteristics is providing a trusting and open environment to the team members. He should offer an environment to the team members to where they can learn and grow. A strong sense of vision is yet another characteristic of an excellent leader.

Apart from the above characteristics mentioned, a good leader must have the following characteristics:

1. Self esteem - A leader must have the important quality of self esteem to help face tough challenges.

2. Need to achieve - being goal oriented and striving hard to achieve the goals is a must traits for a leader. Taking risks is in his nature. One who takes moderate and but not extreme risks is the mark of a good leader.

3. Screening for opportunity - a leader must have the ability to screen the opportunities as useful and useless. He must also be able to grasp any small opportunity missed by his competitors.

4. Optimism - Being an optimist is a must characteristic. Have the ability to see problems as challenges. Views an obstacle as a way to a new direction.

5. Courage - one who has courage to face challenges is a trait of an outstanding leader. A crucial characteristic of a leader is taking risks. Also, having the ability to make changes and to accept changes.

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