If we’re going to discuss leadership, I think a basic way to begin would be to discuss what we want in a leader. What characteristics fall under the idea of a universally “good” leader? Just some food for thought as we live through a year of such uncertainty, a time that we should be able to turn to leadership for some guidance.
Transparency is one characteristic. People need to trust a leader. Trust is built on layers of understanding — being in the ‘know’ of what’s happening (whether it’s good or bad) and allowing feedback from others. This feedback acceptance displays a good listener, and takes us to another quality desired in a leader: accountability and responsibility.
Accountability comes out of not only being responsible and responsive, but also from being held responsible for your actions. People don’t seek a leader who is perfect. People seek a leader who can make the best decisions with what they know at the time. Part of this, is being able to admit when quite possibly the decision you made was not the best one. This accountability demonstrates intelligence and maturity. Acknowledging your wrongdoings and making changes accordingly demonstrate GROWTH. That is an admirable trait in a leader, because we all know perfection is an illusion. Leaders can continue to guide their group of followers and move forward in a progressive way, adjusting the issues existing.
Another factor to consider in a leader is their ability to collaborate. Leaders have a tremendous level of power and influence, and should be capable of carrying most of the work individually. However, a leader is representative of a larger group of people. A good leader must be able to work well with others and be open to others’ ideas. Keeping an adequate group of people around you is essential. You should be able to trust their advice. Remember— you are a source of authority, but you cannot do it alone. A powerful team behind you can only make you stronger. Good leaders can comprehend when they must turn to others for assistance or advice, particularly when their associates have a level of expertise in a topic. It’s not about an ego war, it’s about maintaining the greatest good of the community you are serving. You have many people depending on you and looking to you for guidance.
Good leaders put their self-serving interests aside to make the best decisions for the greater good of the group, not theirselves.
It’s critically essentially to reflect on traits of good leaders especially in this age of political turmoil. KEY POINTS OF REFLECTION: Do you feel like you have leaders who you can depend on for the above mentioned? Do the leaders you support speak thoughtfully, thoroughly, and transparently? Do they spread accurate and truthful information? Do they serve the greater good or do they use their power to serve themselves?
Feel free to leave comments below, adding attributes of qualified leaders that matter most to you.
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