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Characteristics of the Effective Leader

By Marilyn Vojta, M.A.

The true task of involves the ability situations to attain an established vision. Leaders to make change happen. Although multitudes of can combine change with growth, take prudent research has been done on what makes an risks, and demonstrate considerable problem effective leader, there appears to be no solving abilities. They believe in people, are guaranteed consensus. Essentially outstanding sensitive to other's needs and appreciate a leaders become a fine balance between traits, person's core values. They will actively remake a abilities, behaviors, sources of power, and aspects challenge to yield productive outcomes by of the situation. These become the determining creating an that develops and fosters factors of the ability to influence followers and success. Although often debated, leadership traits accomplish group objectives. Therefore, any can be learned skills that with encouragement and member of any group, at any one time, may can produce outstanding assume a leadership role, given any degree of individuals. innate traits and the circumstances surrounding the event. Different people who can effectively To understand the behavior and traits of a leader, influence what the group does, how it is done and one needs to look at their innate characteristics. the method by which the group relates to one Most significant are energy level, physical another could carry out various leadership stamina and stress tolerance. High energy and functions. The most effective measure of a stress tolerance help to deal with the fast pace leader and his/her competency is the extent to and often chaotic events of today's business. which the group attains its . It is easy to see Leadership brings unrelenting demands that why Stephan Covey, author of The 7 Habits of require physical vitality and a high degree of Highly Effective People, said “Begin with the end emotional resilience. Second, it requires the in mind." Formulate an idea and then work ability to problem solve and draw out those to through the details so as to commit every creatively resolve issues along the way. One thought, feeling, and knowing that you needs to be flexible with ideas and open to a can portray it with confidence and honesty. It variety of solutions and viewpoints. The key is to incorporates attitudes, values and a mindset that "see the forest through the trees" and have the can facilitate commitment and transformation. ability to effectively meander through a variety Leadership begins by developing a vision, a desire of circumstances and obstacles, but to keep or picture of how an organization will look in the focused on the vision. future. Often it represents an idea or dream of what might be or could be. It's the classic "If As Warren Benis has stated “lack of a clear only…" statement. A leader is capable of taking vision is a major reason for the declining this "if only…" and bringing it to life. In reality, effectiveness of a leader.” No matter what the a vision denotes the "what" and the leader situation, leaders need to be able to communicate represents the "how" or the elements of what their ideas clearly and commit themselves to the needs to be done to achieve the vision. outcome. A leader must be able to transform his vision to a more inclusive position by gaining the Effective leadership begins with the fundamental trust and commitment of those needed to fulfill ability to believe in yourself. It incorporates a his objective. Once formulated, the vision maturity, conviction, and expertise that represents a direction and must be reinforced by translates into a purpose and direction. It is this consistent and reliable actions of the leader. clarity of vision that gives great leaders the Gaining commitment of those individuals, who confidence to adopt the role of instilling will participate in the process of changing and , self-esteem, and teamwork. As growing an organization, requires that they must visionaries, they are disciplined thinkers and be emboldened by the task. If the leader is unable confidently trust their intuition. Leaders under- to get the commitment of others and can only stand fully their environment and can transform

achieve compliance, the ability to achieve success The process of mobilizing commitment must be greatly diminishes. generated early and with a clear understanding that involvement is critical to success. This Leaders also need the confidence to build self- dedication is coupled closely with trust, a vital esteem in others and still maintain a strong link to achievement within the organization. degree of integrity in themselves. With this Trust is indirectly proportional to risk. To comes the ability to influence an organization up, increase trust, leaders must decrease risk. laterally and below as well as internally and Leadership depends on minimizing risk to ensure externally. One must be able to gain the that the trust factor is solid. As a leader, the approval of everyone involved to make an idea ability to maintain high levels of trust comes reality. The ability to develop cooperative through consistent actions, honesty, expertise, relations, to be a player and to create an confidence and clarity. Probably most significant atmosphere that supports a high degree of is the dedication to values that are exhibited by collegiality, marks the true leader. the leader's own behavior and the method by which one reinforces behaviors in others. Leadership is further challenged by the ability to Undoubtedly, successful leaders are intelligent motivate others, often over a long period of enough to understand the needs of others, know time, and guide others effectively. the necessity of commitment, be energetic, stated, “ is doing things right; possess the courage of conviction, and have an leadership is doing the right things.” The “right” innate integrity. What can be expected of others in management terms comes from the interaction is nothing less than what can be expected of with others. Leadership is never an individual’s yourself. directing, it’s a cooperative effort fostered by listening, gathering a variety of opinions, Although leadership has many definitions and considering effective and effectively varied criteria for success, it is defined by the generating a clear vision. The literal definition assumption that it is an influence process that in of leadership is “the behavior of an individual many cases is situational. The success of a leader when he is directing the activities of a group with depends on his/her ability to achieve a a focus on a shared goal.” It is the “process of through the actions of those involved. It takes influencing" the activities of an organized group the commitment of others in the organization to toward goal achievement, as well as, the process implement a leader's vision and goals. and of giving meaningful direction to collective must have effective leadership in efforts and achieving your objective. Although order to successfully achieve their objectives. But there are thousands of documented definitions of primarily because it is vital for growth and the what leadership is, it essentially always overall well being of our society. We must also incorporates the ability to influence individuals remember that leadership needs to be constantly with the objective of achieving an intended goal. developed, reinforced and be able to effectively foster commitment within an organization. A leader needs to achieve tough, demanding goals that he set himself in addition to those set by an organization, and focus on surpassing both Vojta & Associates objectives. As important as flexibility con- Consultants in Human tributes to this equation of leadership, it is TargetYou™- a technology-based retention tool important to sustain an entrepreneurial spirit. Stamford, CT 06902 203•357•8022 [email protected] When commitment is reached by leadership, it means that individuals agree with the idea and will make the greatest effort to execute effectively.