The one who shows direction is called a leader because the leader has the capability of identifying the correct path towards success. Leader also has the ability to influence people to follow that path. So what are the qualities of a good leader? A true leader motivates, inspires, trusts, loves and shows the regard from the core of heart. Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Narayan Murthy, JRD Tata and Sunil Bharti Mittal are a few true leaders.
But for me my boss is a true leader. Though I was new to the job, still my boss used to take me along with her in all important meetings.
While briefing any project she would say, “I start a project, bring it to a comfortable stage and then leave it up to my team members. Because I know now they will manage it.”
That was her way to convey confidence in her team member’s ability. That moment I figured out that to be a good leader we need to follow a great leader. Her invaluable leadership taught me a lot of lessons.
A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
Whatever I have learnt till on the qualities of a good leader, I want to share it with the future leaders:
1. Self Discovery
For a successful leader it is important to identify his strengths and weaknesses. As strengths and weaknesses are inseparable; it is important is to manage them smartly. A leader should understand “self” before even understanding others. This is one of the most important qualities of a good leader.
2. Write your leadership style
Most of us don’t do this but it’s highly important to understand one’s own self. In true sense that can only happen when we do deep analysis to understand our own self. To achieve this – write your leadership style, discuss it with your colleagues or subordinates and check if they perceive you same as what you wanted to project yourself.
3. Be a learner
For a successful leader, a constant learning process is very important. When due to lack of knowledge, a leader cannot provide solution to the team, he loses respect in their eyes. And sometimes he has to pay a heavy price for that.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable.” John F Kennedy
Knowledge is like deep ocean, every person or situation brings an opportunity to learn. Whatever stream we pick, there is always something to learn. E.Sreedharan’s constant hunger to learn new things in technology, in relations and in life is the root cause of Delhi Metro’s success.
4. Mental toughness is important
Mental toughness is important for the commitment and dedication to take the task to its end point and ensure that the job will be accomplished. A leader has an amazing power towards commitment which doesn’t shiver in difficulties. He/she knows to achieve his targets by striving hard.
For a leader interruptions are disruptions, the firm belief in own capabilities and mental toughness helps in overcoming the problems.
5. Walk the talk
A leader should always walk the talk by matching the actions with words. Doing opposite leaves a bad impression on team members. That’s why most of our politicians are not leaders because their actions don’t match with their words. People still follow Gandhi as their leader because he did whatever he said.
Similarly, M.S. Dhoni although was struggling in his batting form but when it came to taking the responsibility showed all that he can deliver when expected. He led India to win world cup.
Ability to walk the talk is one of the important qualities of a good leader
6. Sense of humour
A touch of humour is very important to release tension and boredom as well as defuse hostility. It energises the followers and keeps an assurance that everything is under control. Promise yourself to bring smile to everyone face and release tension from team members. This also helps in bringing creative/ innovative ideas to the floor.
Read our blog to – How to develop a sense of humor
7. Select the right person
A leader very well knows that battle can’t be fought alone. The success depends on placing right people at right task. Develop an ability to identify the strengths of your team member and utilise to its optimum.
Qualities of a good leader – Conclusion
A leader knows that the success is dependent on everyone’s ability to deliver their best. The leader should take on the responsibility of supporting, motivating and educating the team members. A leader trains people well because hes/she knows the importance of raising up future leaders. Do you possess any or all these qualities of a good leader?
Article by Vandana Sehgal
Vandana has written 46 articles.
Vandana is a Personality Enhancement Trainer associated with various Corporate and Management Colleges..
