What makes a good leader?
Whether it’s in sport, politics, business, pop bands or surviving a zombie apocalypse, good leadership is key to making any project successful.
The vision and drive that leaders possess will often separate them from their followers, so if you’re looking to lead your way to glory, here are some top tips to consider.
Honesty really is the best policy
Many great leaders may have told fibs along their way to the top, but when those lies are exposed, doubts will suddenly emerge and a gloss tends to be taken off their legacy. If you want those who follow you to have a strong moral compass, then you need to show that you’re in possession of one, too. This is true with most qualities that make an effective leader.
Spread the load
Control freaks may find it virtually impossible to delegate, but a project has far more potential for success if you can hand out tasks to those who are perfectly capable of taking them on. You should be aware of the strengths of those around you and playing to them will be a positive step for everyone.
Keeping it light
While you may be in a deadly serious field, even the most stringent of circumstances can be helped along by an element of humour. No one wants a boss like The Office’s David Brent, and if you try too hard, your humour will fall flat. But a lightness of touch can speak volumes.
Getting the message across
Communicating properly with your team can’t be overestimated. How many times have you come out of meetings knowing less about something than when you first went in? It’s not just the way that you talk to people that counts (and being a good listening is important too), but keeping open lines of communication open are important too: a permanently closed door may also mean a closed mind. And remember, strong communication does not mean shouting your head off (or emailing in FULL CAPS).
Show your commitment
Sometimes actions speak louder than words, so if you are prepared to get hands-on with your project, that will allow your team to see you in a different, and much more agreeable light. Also, even if it’s down in black and white in your contract, should you announce your departure too early, then a sense of destabilisation and edginess may well filter through to your group. After all, if you can no longer convince people that you are devoted to the cause, why should anyone else be?
Who would you pick as the finest leader ever?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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