A Good Leader

Oxford dictionary defines the word “good” as something that is right, helpful, valuable, kind, etc. The word “leader” is defined as someone who goes infront leading or controlling people. So, we can say that a good leader is someone who is valuable, kind, helpful and leads a group of people doings things right. To be a leader you need an admirable character.

What are the characteristics of a good leader? First and foremost, a good leader must have commitment and determination. These two attitudes are perhaps the most important traits in determining the success of a good leader.

A leader must feel a personal responsibility for the outcome of ventures in which he or she is associated. He or she must be in control of his or her resources and to use those resources to achieve goals. A good leader must also know how to grab opportunities to achieve his goals.

Another character is tolerance for risk and uncertainty. A good leader is not a gambler.

He or she does not take wild risks. Rather, she or she is a risk manager. He or she lives in a world that is characterized by high rates of change, risk and ambiguity. It is important that a leader learns to manage risk and make sure that the risks taken are reasonable.

Commensurate with the perceived rewards – A good leader also has a high degree of tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty. A conflict is viewed as a means to end in examining risk, uncertainties and potential rewards.

Consequently, self confidence is another character of a good leader. A good leader must have self confidence this will make him or her believe that what he or she accomplishes is within his or her control. He or she need to be optimistic. He or she must have a very high opinion of his or her own ability to succeed.

Creativity and flexibility- One hallmark of a good leader is his or her ability to adapt to the changing demands of his subordinates customers and his or her clients. In this rapidly changing world, rigidity often leads to failure. The ability to respond in a flexible manner to constant change requires a high degree of creativity.

A good leader must have the desire for immediate feedback. A good leader likes to know how he or she is doing and is constantly looking for reinforcement. He or she has a strong desire to use this knowledge to improve his performance. He or she is willing to learn from mistakes and must be an excellent listener. He or she is not afraid of making mistake and failing.

Last but not least, a good leader must have leadership ability. Leadership ability is the ability exerts influence without power. This tactic requires a leader to be more of a mediator or negotiator that a dictator. A good leader is a visionary leader, not a dreamer. He or she is a good planner, has good communication skills and respect others. A leader, has to work as a team with the committee or his or her staff for they are the ones who will support and assist the leader in whatever he or she plans to do.

Be he or she a leader of a nation, a leader of an organization, a leader of a company, a leader of a society or leader of a family, always remember that what a leader does is always viewed by his or her follower.

Remember, the slogan “Leadership through example”.