We all like to think we have some leadership qualities and strive to develop them. We look at leaders in all walks of life seeking to identify which qualities, traits and skills they possess so we can emulate them. Admit it. We all feel a touch of awe when someone has it: the CEO title. The power, the salary, and the chance to Be The Boss. It’s worthy of awe! Or when we hear of a President, Prime Minister- our being naturally shrinks into awe and admiration.
It is said that leadership is infectious! Leaders influence the culture of an organization. Remember the ‘’ New Culture’’ brought by Zambia’s former republican President FTJ Chiluba? The safari suits disappeared from the political scene when he ascended to power. And for the US, there is President Obama’s ‘’ Yes we can’’!
A fundamental question remains "What is the essence of leadership that results in successful management, as opposed to failed management?" At least part of the answer can be found within the word itself. According to one Dr William P. Fisher Ph.D., the word leadership summarises the following traits : Loyalty, Excellence, Assertiveness, Dedication, Enthusiasm, Risk Management, Strength, Honor, Inspiration, Performance.
Indeed, there are some underpinning traits that must be present in a leader, albeit basic.
I wish to add another dimension in looking at the word LEADERSHIP.
Long sight- This is not about the medical condition of Hyperopia (farsightedness). But that a leader must have ability to focus on the future. He should not be myopic when looking at issues. Leaders should be able to see beyond the horizon!
Ear- The art of listening is a must in a leader. Why should a leader have a listening ear? They may not necessarily agree with what is said, or choose to take the information on board if it isn't appropriate and they know better, but by listening to their subordinates, leaders give themselves an opportunity to gain information. Subordinates often know what's really going on behind the scenes at work, and may have firsthand knowledge due to experience about how a business could run more smoothly. Deaf leaders are a danger both to themselves and the organization.
Allegiance- The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. A leader must have allegiance to the organizations values and objectives above every selfish motive. Leaders in the corporate world must have it- allegiance! Allegiance is key to good corporate governance.
Discernment- The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment. In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. Decision making is a major preoccupation of leaders in the midst of an avalanche of information. Keen insight and good judgment in a leader would save an organization from much trouble.
Energy- Scientists have rightly defined energy as the ability to do work. Leaders must poses energy to function effectively. Leaders must be alive to their organization. Energy makes one to be enthusiastic and purposeful.
Resilience- The ability to recover quickly from change, or misfortune; buoyancy. recovering readily from adversity, depression, or the like. Leadership in testing times can be difficult, frustrating and can breed fear and despondency. Yet we know that challenges shape the leaders of the future. Leading in a good times is easy. Adversity is the crucible which differentiates greatness from mediocrity. A leader must understand that tough times will come and there resilience is an imperative trait when it comes to radiating hope in such times.
Self control- The trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior, motions and desires. Leaders are target of much talk- be it good or bad. They also poses power which if not properly checked, can be used excessively.
Hospitality- Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Leaders receive all kinds of guests. The way they treat the guests impacts greatly on an organizations image. It sends a message on what type of relationships .
Integrity- Integrity is the quality of having high moral principles, being reliable and trustworthy. It is also being sincere and being trustworthy. Nothing can guarantee social stability and confidence among people like honest, it is considered one of the basic foundations on which organizations are built; the moment it disappears, distrust and lack of cooperation take its place in the heart of people. In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, wise man King Solomon said ‘’ A good name is more desirable than riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold’’
Productivity- At the end of the day, leaders must be productive. A leader should have a track record of producing tangible results, irrespective of the size of what they have been involved in. If one has been productive on a micro level, they can scale up their efforts to macro level.
Whenever you think about leadership, let the traits discussed above should come to the fore:
Long sight
Ear
Allegiance
Discernment
Energy
Resilience
Self-control
Hospitality
Integrity
Productivity
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