Who is a leader?

July 26, 2023 By Uncategorized 27 Comments

            Leadership is a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, to execute strategic plans, and to continually renew an organization. Leadership can also be explained as  a process by which an executive can direct, guide and influence the behavior and work of others towards accomplishment of specific goals in a given situation. Leadership is the ability of a manager to induce the subordinates to work with confidence and zeal. Leadership is the ability to make people work as a team in other to achieve goal(s) at a particular stipulated time.

So who is a leader?

A leader is an individual with the  ability to know what he wants or where he wants to be and how to realize such goal, objective or ambition.

A leader is someone who inspires passion and motivation in followers. A leader is someone with a vision and the path to realizing it. A leader is someone who ensures their team has support and tools to achieve their goals
What are the qualities of a good leader?
  • Decision Maker.
  • Good Communicator.
  • Sets The Example.
  • Motivates Others.

Decision-making

Decision-making is a leadership skill that managers use to assess a situation and determine how the organization may proceed. The decision-making process involves the following steps:

  • Identifying the challenge: In this step, the manager discovers an issue and determines the circumstances that led to the situation.

  • Devising solutions: After learning more information about the case, the manager creates one or several possible solutions.

  • Weighing options: The manager analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each option and explores alternative solutions if needed.

  • Making a choice: Once a thorough assessment takes place, the manager makes a final decision about what action to take.

  • Informing others of the decision: The manager informs employees of the decision and explains how the decision influences the workplace.

Leaders of organizations undergo decision-making protocols for several reasons, including:

  • Implementing new company policies

  • Designing budgets and allocating financial resources

  • Recruiting and training new employees

  • Creating organizational goals

  • Entering new markets

  • Downsizing or expanding the organization

  • Developing new products

  • Building the company brand.

Importance of decision-making

  • Improve workplace productivity
  • Create action plans in emergency situations
  • Establish trust with the employees
  • Reduce conflict

Decision-making skills

There are several skills you may use in the decision-making process, to mention a few:

1. Research

Collecting information through research can provide resources for making an informed decision. For example, if you’re a manager at a retail store that wants to target new customers through social media, you can research the features and users of several platforms. You are then more prepared to choose the most engaging platform for your company’s target audience.

2. Creativity

Creativity can allow you to design original solutions to problems. With an open mind, you can consider alternative options that may work better than a traditional solution.

3. Critical thinking

As you assess your options, you can use critical thinking skills to evaluate the pros and cons of the situation. You can determine the benefits that one path may bring or the risks associated with another path. You can use visualization techniques to imagine the outcomes of your decisions. Critical thinking skills can also help you decide if your organizational goals are realistic and if your company policies are easy for your team members to understand.

4. Time management

Understanding efficiency and scheduling may help you in the process of decision-making. Sometimes, more time spent in the evaluation and creation of possible solutions can speed up a final decision in the end. Knowing how to allot your time and what areas to focus on can help you complete the decision-making process quickly and efficiently.

 

Good Communicator

Good communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose. When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied. Leaders must be good communicators because they inspire and empower people around them, and without good communication skills, a leader would never be heard or understood by others. Therefore, effective communication is an important non-technical skill that every leader must possess.

Importance of good communication

  • Mitigated conflict.
  • Improved direction for employees.
  • Boosted employee job satisfaction.
  • Increased innovation.
  • Increased employee engagement.
  • Improved productivity.
  • Improved client relations.
  • Healthy workplace culture.

Sets The Example

as a leader you are expected to lead by examples by:

Establishing  a Clear Vision

A good leader must know where he is leading his employees. Therefore, you need to establish a clear vision for the direction of the company and for individual projects. Share the vision with others to give them examples of what vision casting looks like. As the company or market changes, adjust your vision as needed and share the new vision to model flexibility.

Communicate

Maintain clear lines of communication among yourself and the people who work under you.

Command Attention

If your team respects you, you will have their attention whenever you need to say something and they will respond appropriately. One way to command attention is to refrain from unimportant interactions.

Listen

Nobody likes a leader who refuses to listen to the ideas, suggestions and concerns of those he is leading. Set an example in this area by making yourself accessible to people who have things to share with you. Give eye contact to show that you are listening, repeat back or ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand and implement some of the ideas.

Provide Direction

As the leader, it is often your fault if an endeavor does not succeed. Demonstrate your proficiency and expertise in the area by offering suggestions and direction for people who are having trouble completing their tasks. Give clear and concrete steps and check back periodically to see how things are going and provide more direction if needed.

Chip In

Just because you’re a leader, that doesn’t mean you are exempt from chipping in to help when the people who work under you are bogged down. If a competent employee has too much on his plate, help him with it. People will take notice of your servant leadership and be inspired to help each other as well.

Be Visible

Let others see what you are doing and how hard you are working by maintaining a steady presence. Your example of strong leadership will not be of much use if nobody notices what you do.

Motivates Others

Inspires others’ commitment to their work and organizational excellence. Helps others see the personal benefits of doing their job well. Encourages others to do their best. Looks for and uses new, creative ways to motivate others.














cultivate the above stated qualities to be a good leader in all your endeavours in life.