We live in a world where leadership has become a multi-disciplinary concept. We have to evolve with the times and acknowledge that Leadership is more about the people then it is about the leader. As a leader it is important to understand that leadership is not just about being at the forefront, but rather being conscious of the responsibility to ensure that everything flows like clockwork.
People often forget the responsibilities that come with leadership which includes, accountability in all aspects of leadership but somehow, they are often overlooked. Our country has a lot of business and political leaders who seem to lead but are not actually leading. Leadership is not a role where an individual can guess their way through, leadership is always fine cut and clear, its either you can or you can’t there are no grey areas.
An effective leader has a team that shares the same vision with an open-door policy of communication. It makes it easier to execute plans of action once the assignment is understood and expectations are clear. Our country has just concluded its municipal elections last November and after the SONA address, it has become evident that the work is far from over. Citizens vote for their preferred leaders which is only one part of the process, the other part is educating the masses on how to hold leaders accountable, and this part of the process is often overlooked, not just by the people but by the leaders as well.
People have expectations but trying to meet everyone expectations is simply not possible. However, leaders could manage expectations on a practical level so that the task at hand is deemed possible in reaching the target goal.
Nothing is set in stone when it comes to Leadership. People react differently because we all have a different perspective hence different approach to finding solutions.
There are different leadership techniques and tools that have developed over the years. But what leaders need to know is that leadership needs to be comfortable, not comfortable in your position but comfortable in your methods of leadership, being conscious of your strengths and weaknesses and being able to find ways to make leadership work for you.
A leader should maintain influence and keep in touch with people at grass root level, to cater for the needs of the masses and not just selected groups.
Sharing your goals and vision with your team is an absolute must. Once the vision is lost everything else will soon crumble and then the leadership role will be faced with hardships.
Taking accountability with clear communication and transparency will come at an advantage for a leader. It’s not about pleasing everyone but rather find a way to built a sense of understanding and acceptance in a truthful manner.
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