My Thoughts on Leadership

Leadership has become so common a word that it is used nowadays in every context without understanding the complete meaning of a leader. What is leadership then? Some of the common ideas that others include in leadership definitions include exerting influence, motivating and inspiring, helping others realize their potential, leading by example, selflessness and making a difference. Here are some other common definition of Leadership

The Collins English Dictionary. ( © 1998 HarperCollins Publishers ) leadership (n) 1. The position or function of a leader. 2. the period during which a person occupies the position of leader: during her leadership very little was achieved. 3. a. the ability to lead. b. (as modifier): leadership qualities. 4. the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc.: the union leadership is now very reactionary.
This dictionary definition of leadership focuses on the position (singular or collective), tenure and ability of leaders. As such, it misses key points about the purpose and hallmarks of effective leadership.

Peter Drucker : The foreword to the Drucker Foundation's "The Leader of the Future" sums up leadership : "The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers." To gain followers requires influence (see John Maxwell's definition below) but doesn't exclude the lack of integrity in achieving this. Indeed, it can be argued that several of the world's greatest leaders have lacked integrity and have adopted values that would not be shared by many people today.

John C Maxwell : In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell sums up his definition of leadership as "leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less." This moves beyond the position defining the leader, to looking at the ability of the leader to influence others - both those who would consider themselves followers, and those outside that circle. Indirectly, it also builds in leadership character, since without maintaining integrity and trustworthiness, the capability to influence will disappear.

Warren Bennis : Warren Bennis' definition of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of the leader : "Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential."

Both George Bush and Barack Obama has been the President of the USA. Can we equate George Bush to Barack Obama within the guidelines of leadership. Yes, we can. However, are they two viewed by the public being a successful leader? No they are not. Obama of course towers over Bush in every respect.

Here is my take on the qualities of a successful leader though not in order of priority. These are the traits I believe based on my personal experience that will help distnguish a succesful leader from the crowd:

1. Never take credit of your team’s success. If you and your team is successful people will associate you with that success.

2. Take the blame for your teams failure : Most of the time your team will fail not because of their inherent abilities but lack of proper guidance from you

3. Praise others : If someone working for you has done something good then praise him in front of others without being judgemental. Such praises will allow people to align themselves very distinctively with your goals and vision

4. Never admonish people in front of others. They will start hating you and however, good you are you will not be able to reverse the trend. Always communicate the failure in person to absorb the negative feelings failures and giving the other a chance to reflect on one’s mistake and a strong shoulder to lean on, if required. Your respect will magnify.

5. Respect the absence : Don’t say bad things about others in their absence. people don’t get chance to put their views across when they are not present.

6. Don’t think what you think is right: Views from others will always add value to your decision making and make your team feel good

7. Empower : Empowering your people and your team is the single most trait of successful leaders to get an ordinary team do extraordinary work

8. Create environment for people to freely air their opinion : Creating right environment for free flow of ideas will eliminate need for lot of transactions that would otherwise be required for you to spent time on

9. Respect Others : Leadership position should be earned rather than asked for or thrusted upon. In the case of later, people will not open up

10. Lead from the front by showing examples. This will generate the excitement in your team

11. Communicate as frequently as you can: The more you communicate the more you will understand where is the bottleneck for your people or your team to work effectively.