What Leadership Is All About

Different people view leadership in different ways. There’s the walk the talk type, preach water and drink wine type and the ones that simply think they make things happen. They lead vicariously through the works of others. For me leadership is several things. For me it means:-

Being an Example
There are times when you need to do what you say and give what you say you will give. A leader requires to be a person of integrity. A trustworthy person who can command the respect of those under him. An honest person who leads by example and does exactly what he says he will do

Passionate
A good leader needs to believe in his work. To be passionate about what he does in order to be a motivation to others. If a leader believes in what he does and he is passionate about it, it is easier for him to be an inspiration to others. The best inspiration of course always comes from the example he sets.

Decisive and definitive
A good leader needs to be able to stick to the decisions he makes and see them through. A good leader should not be compliant or fickle. That’s not however being unreasonably stubborn where they shouldn’t. He should be able to discern when to lead and when he needs to follow. A good leader should be able to listen and take into account other peoples’ opinions in order to make informed and highly beneficial decisions.

Leadership is also about investing in other people abilities. Investing time and effort in their employees ensures an air of comfort and freedom thus encouraging better performance. It is about developing relationships with one’s juniors in order to realize their strengths and weaknesses. When there’s a respectful relationship between the leadership and those under their care, it is easier to address their weaknesses and challenges and also develop their strengths.
In the end leadership is about honesty, humility, integrity, decisiveness, empowerment and servanthood. It is being open enough to be approachable, and believing in yourself and your team. Being passionate about one’s work and position in order to work towards achieving the intended goal.