- When someone questions as to what exactly the definition of leadership is, most of us would elaborate it as a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a common goal primarily stemming from social influence, not authority or power. Leadership requires others implying those closely associated or remotely related and hence, signifying they need not be direct reports. Leadership is also a practical skill encompassing the ability of an individual, group, or organization to lead, influence, or guide other individuals, teams, or the entire nation as well.
Pc: Verywell Mind
- To ensure the leadership per se accomplishes what it entails in letter and spirit, a leader is much sought after who is the one in the charge, a person who is consummately blessed with skills, charisma, aura, and matching personality to convince/inspire other people to follow. A truly great leader not only succeeds in inspiring confidence in other people but also moves them to realize the desired action through dogged perseverance. By leading from the front, a leader naturally stands out in every stage of life, either professional or domestic, and attracts a lot of welcome attention.
- However, a leader to be anointed as one must be propped up by no less than a significant and/or substantial follower who does not hesitate nor flinch from extending wholehearted support to go the entire distance in achieving the desired result. There are any number of distinguishing features endowed upon a leader viz. honesty, integrity, loyalty, being forthright, truthful, compassionate, empathetic, sympathetic, inspirational, unbiased, stable, presence of mind, communicator, and not given to impetuosity but a steady disposition, amongst a slew of other traits.
Pc: Entrepreneur
- A leader is also expected to be most adept at interpersonal skills alongside the ability to communicate in an unambiguously clear manner that is extremely vital to strike a chord with the team that he/she heads at the micro-level and teams/organizations at the macro level. A leader cannot be expected to succeed in the absence of lending patience hearing whenever the situation demands. A leader intuitively understands the necessity to share time, resources, and extend advice to followers/subordinates/colleagues without any prejudice or preconceived notions.
- Not for nothing any of the successful leaders irrespective of field or areas of influence are recognized for their ability to extract unflinching loyalty and following amongst scores who lookup for reassuring disposition and guidance. Another important aspect separating a leader from that of a follower is to honour the words spoken/assured/promised/committed without fail. Going back on words will invariably lead to a trust deficit resonating negatively all around. Building confidence on the back of executing commitments is the essence of leadership.
Pc: Idlehearts
- Understand that any leader’s success is dependent on the support of others. Falsely believing in one’s ability alone for the success achieved shows egoistic temperament that literally yields sweet nothing but greatly antagonizes many on the way. Virtuoso behavior so cultivated get chiseled over a considerable period extracting no less than a humble submission to the vagaries of life teaching us to evolve perpetually. Make no mistake, unless we acknowledge and vow to become a better person by imbibing tried and tested virtues, there is no way we could be called a leader.
