Nishant Kumar
We often make a mistake by perceiving leadership and management as
synonyms.
Whenever a requirement for a managerial position is published, we see that it
is specified that the candidate should have leadership qualities. This shows
that leadership is an additional trait expected in a manager.
To make it easy to understand, a leader leads people and a
manager manages task.
So here’s what you need to develop in yourself to become a
leader.
A manager likes to run the organization as a machine, feels
comfortable in a steady environment where nothing is rocking. A leader, by
contrast, prefers changes and improvements. Become a catalyst to bring in that
change around you and you will become a leader.
A manager gets the task done effectively from his team. He
works closely with his team members and inspires them to achieve the expected
results. Generally, well documented guidelines are handed over to a manager and
it is expected from him and his team to follow them. A manager is mere a puppet
of those well scripted guidelines. He follows the system as it is to accomplish
certain task.
A leader, apart from managing a team, brings changes,
underlines the flaws and loopholes in the existing system and dares to take
corrective actions. He not only brings changes to improve processes but also
inspires members to be more responsible. He emphasizes to develop more powerful
team that can confront any patchy situation. He gives an end result – a highly
motivated and high performing team.
People willingly follow a leader as they have confidence in
him. They know that he has a clear sense of direction, a strong vision and
mission for the future. He can get quality results from an average team.
Remember, people prefer to be led rather than driven.
It is quite easy to become a boss by just acquiring authority
and power to accomplish certain job. You can use your power and get things done
as a manager but you cannot bring the burning desire among your followers to
achieve higher goals without leadership quality.
There are certain qualities that are hallmark of a good
leader.
Integrity
Integrity conveys a sense of adherence to principles and
values. We demand integrity in leaders as we extend so much power to them. It
is a vital quality that drives people to trust. Any integrity lapse from a
leader is very hard for the followers to take up.
Enthusiasm
Leader inspires his squad through his own enthusiasm. A
successful leader is highly motivated and full of energy. He cultivates and
transfers his energy to followers through his enthusiasm.
Tough and fair
Toughness and fairness are the desirable qualities of a
leader. He should be tough enough to take difficult decisions. But his
toughness will only be tolerated if he is fair in his decision without
indulging into any kind of favoritism.
Innovative
A leader never relaxes with the current system and always
looks for a better one. He lives in the world of innovation, change and
improvement. He instills these believes to his followers.
Calmness
One who can maintain calmness under pressure will definitely
earn respect and can help others calm during turmoil.
Courageous
You need to have courage to withstand any odds. Remember,
bravery is both inspirational and infectious.
Honesty
As said since the school days, it is indeed the best policy.
The above qualities are most sought traits by the employers.
These are not something unusual that we cannot acquire. Be aware of these
traits and by exhibiting them on regular basis, you can also become a leader.
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