Leading From The Front

Leadership

Being a successful leader is challenging, especially while we are living technology-driven world. Successful leaders must

· share a vision

· develop a plan and people to realize that vision

· show compassion

Great leaders take responsibility for the team's performances and results while showing a sense of duty and display communication skills.

What is Leadership?

Leadership involves the individual's ability to guide, influence, and lead team members. It includes making appropriate decisions, setting goals, developing clear missions, and using appropriate tools to achieve the set goals.

Leadership characteristics include:

• Transparent

• Flexible

• Compassionate

• Innovative Thinker

• Purpose-Driven

• Motivational

Integrity

Without integrity, it is improbable we will gain real success. Our team cannot trust us if we are short in integrity.

Successful leaders stick by their words, are honest, remember their core values, and lead by examples. Integrity sets the foundation of leadership skills. Great leaders who have integrity do the following:

· Realize their mistakes

· Give others the chance to explain a situation

· Appreciate people's time and efforts

· Doing the right thing

· Give feedback to their team

Vision

Another essential trait for a great leader is Vision. A great leader must develop foresightedness to inspire his/her people. Leadership is a learned attribute.

These attributes polish with practice and proper execution. It is essential for a company to have a leader who has a vision because they help build the company's image in the eyes of the clients and team.

Great leaders develop innovative ideas and ensure their team knows the company's goals. Successful leaders remind their team of the goals and help them achieve the targets.

Lead with Example

Most employees want to see their leaders lead from the front. Leading by example involves behaviors. Leaders have to inspire their teams through actions. Modern employees want to see their leaders act on what was committed. It means aligning routines, behaviors, and practices with core values.

Leaders leading by example show that they value their teams' efforts by carrying some of the work load themselves.

Example:

Adam is a manager at a bank with a team of five members. Every morning when he enters the premises, he greets everyone and asks how everyone is doing. He calls his team members for a staff meeting, and instead of leading with his plan, he gives everyone a chance to share ideas. He then asks his team members to create a proposal of their idea.

Later, he moves on to his plan and answers questions. Once the meeting ends, he offers help to his team members with their proposals. His team members gladly accept it, and they work as a team to form an action plan.

The Bottom Line

While there are many qualities that make a great leader, the actions demonstrated at work gain the trust and respect of the team members. A true leader becomes a role model for the team members and gather individuals as a unit for the team's progress and growth.