A leader is a guide. A conductor, a commander, or, the foremost horse in a team!
Strong communication skills are a critical competency in the toolkit of an effective leader. This skill enables great leaders to convey ideas. Communicating in an articulate and positive style creates a clear path for the rest of the team, project or meeting you are leading to follow.
Successful leaders should be able to give, but also receive feedback from team members and listen. Active listening is a form of listening that goes beyond simply being willing to hear what someone is saying.
I am blessed up to this very moment, that I mostly met real leaders during my whole life. Leaders, who taught me in very practical ways how to survive, especially in business.
Creativity is about seeking the best solution, even when it’s not the typical one, and thinking on your feet when situations change.
Talking about leaders: I found a very nice quotation, shared by Dr. John C. Maxwell, the leading authority on leadership, who says, “A leader is one who knows the way, GOES THE WAY, and SHOWS the way!” – “Nearly all men (and women) can withstand adversity. If you truly want to test a man’s character, give him power!” said Abraham Lincoln a long time ago. – Character is what you do in the dark … .
In the past, at present and especially looking into the future, one can observe someone at any corner offering to lead us on our way. Politicians compete for our vote of confidence. Athletes and entertainers show us their pictures of success (and think they are good politicians!). Even a lot of different religious leaders pledge, promise and bin in flock gathering.
So, what are the traits that a great leader must have or develop character? “You can buy brains, but you cannot buy character”. But hold on, character is even not enough. How about integrity? Are you a leader? Is what you are saying AND DOING the same? Are your followers wholeheartedly convinced of your integrity?
This column contains many quotations. Albert Einstein, one of my favourite idols, said before, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters!”
Leaders in politics, in clergy, and in business – many are lacking this specific trait because, after all, what they say is not what they do! We are still in need of many more leaders with character, integrity, discipline and the ability to influence others in a positive way. Being really successful in business means: the leader must be able to motivate his or her people around, rather than manipulate them.
Nobody’s perfect. A strong leader will accept this as fact, understanding that leaders can make mistakes just as easily as anyone else. Accountability is the willingness to take responsibility for one’s own actions and decisions.
Good to know that there are still some leaders, who are able to fulfill all these ideals – for the sake of the Philippines and the whole globe.
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