Important Characteristics to Leadership
Important Characteristics to Leadership
The transition of power is about to take place. The old leader, looking worn and weary speaks of all the year has meant; thanks the many who have helped. There is measured applause and the old leader shakes the hand of the new leader. As practiced words are spoken outlining the vision for the following year, neither leader's attention is on the words. The departing leader feels renewed, relieved and saddened at the same time. The new leader has moments of self congratulation, self doubt and terror. Both have sought the mantle of leadership and on this day in some way, both have reached the defining moment.
Leadership is a learned behavior. Rarely is one born with the ability to lead. Even charisma is learned. Though many may dream of a leadership role, it is often dismissed as "impossible." We often think of leaders as a single personality type, "born to lead." But in reality all that leaders have in common is the initiative and the desire. There is no one leadership personality. Leaders are forged from all types.
Leadership is the ability to get people to follow. Leadership is more than getting people to do what is asked. A good leader motivates people to want to do what is asked. A leader must provide a clear vision, a direction. They must know where they are going and why. They must communicate that vision clearly and with a passion. The passion and logic of the vision must motivate the followers to make the vision their own.
Developing Leadership Skills
Self analysis: There are many tools (such as the Personal Profile System from Carlson Learning Company) that will help to define strengths and weaknesses. You may be asked to take them as part of a business or leadership course. There is no right type for leadership, but a person must recognize their type and then work to strengthen their own weaknesses, as well as use their basic strengths in the area of self growth.
Get involved: In order to be a leader, it is important to join and participate in a variety of organizations, particularly the professional organizations. One should first look at the mission of each group and the internal workings of each group. Looking at the current leaders reflects the society's values. Are these individuals heavily involved in research, clinical practice, teaching, do they all represent a specific type of...