What makes an effective leader Show
What are Leadership Traits?Leadership traits refer to personal qualities that define effective leaders. Leadership refers to the ability of an individual or an organization to guide individuals, teams, or organizations toward the fulfillment of goals and objectives. It plays an important function in management, as it helps maximize efficiency and achieve strategic and organizational goals. Leaders help motivate others, provide guidance, build morale, improve the work environment, and initiate action. List of Effective Leadership TraitsA common misconception is that individuals are just naturally gifted with leadership skills. The truth is that leadership traits, like other skills, can be acquired with time and practice. Below are seven traits of an effective leader: 1. Effective CommunicatorsLeaders are excellent communicators, able to clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. In addition, leaders are able to communicate on different levels: one-on-one, via phone, email, etc. 2. Accountable and ResponsibleLeaders hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for any mistakes. Leaders support and encourage individuality while abiding by organizational structure, rules, and policies that need to be followed. 3. Long-term ThinkersLeaders are visionaries. This is evidenced by the leadership trait of being able to plan for the future through concrete and quantifiable goals. They understand the need for continuous change and are open to trying new approaches to solve problems or improve processes. 4. Self-motivatedLeaders are self-motivated and are able to keep going and attain goals despite setbacks. In addition, good leaders try their best to exceed, not just meet, expectations. 5. ConfidentVirtually all good leaders share the leadership trait of confidence. They are able to make tough decisions and lead with authority. By being confident, leaders are able to reassure and inspire others, establish open communications, and encourage teamwork. 6. People-orientedLeaders are typically people-oriented and team players. They’re able to foster a team culture, involve others in decision-making, and show concern for each team member. By being people-oriented, leaders are able to energize and motivate others. By making each individual feel important and vital to the team’s success, they secure the best efforts from each member of the team. 7. Emotionally StableLeaders exercise good control and regulation over their own behavior and are able to tolerate frustration and stress. Leaders are able to cope with changes in an environment without having an intense emotional reaction. Traits of a Bad LeaderListed below are the traits that bad leaders commonly exhibit:
Leadership Traits Personality TestsSeveral tests are available to help determine your personality, strengths, and traits. These tests include the following:
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is one of the most well-respected and widely-used personality type assessment tools. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be used as a guide to help identify strengths, weaknesses, and the way you perceive and process information. In fact, over 80% of the Fortune 100 companies rely on tests such as the Myers Briggs to help build an effective and healthy organization. Other ResourcesThank you for reading CFI’s guide on Leadership Traits. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following resources will be helpful:
Who is a leader in an organization?The company CEO, army general, political party leader, school superintendent, department head, team coach – these are but a few examples representing one of the fundamental components of organizational leadership. Inside of every organization, there must be a person responsible for directing or guiding the group.
Who defined leadership as influencing people to achieve common goal?Peter Northouse (2010) defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p.
Which type of leadership behavior gives purpose and meaning to organizations?Strategic leadership gives purpose and meaning to organizations. Strategic leadership involves anticipating and envisioning a viable future for the organization, and working with others to initiate changes that create such a future.
Which of the following power bases pertains to when someone has something that another person wants or possesses the ability to provide it?Reward power exists when someone has control over the resources or rewards another person wants. For example, managers generally have control over raises, performance evaluations, awards, more desirable job assignments, and the resources an employee might require to perform a job effectively.
|