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7 LEADERSHIP TRAITS
BY: ADRIAN E. CRISTOBAL,
Manila Bulletin, November 25, 2004
Leaders are tested during hard times. This is true in business as well as in
politics, but probably truer in business.
The Manager’s Intelligence Report, a newsletter for corporate executives, asks
whether leaders are born or made, or whether superior leadership skills can be
learned. No one is sure, but experts have noticed seven specific actions that
successful leaders carry out, regardless of the organization or cause they lead.
One, effective leaders make others feel
important.
“If your goals and decisions are self-centered, followers will lose their
enthusiasm quickly. Emphasize their strengths and contributions, not your own.”
Two, effective leaders promote a vision.
“Followers need a clear idea of where you’re leading them, and they need to
understand why that goal is valuable to them. Your job as a leader is to provide
that vision.”
Three, effective leaders follow the Golden
Rule.
“Treat your followers the way you enjoy being treated. An abusive leader
attracts few loyal followers.”
Four, effective leaders admit mistakes.
“If people suspect that you’re covering up your own errors, they’ll hide their
mistakes too, and you’ll lack valuable information for making decisions.”
Five, effective leaders criticize only in
private.
“Public praise encourages others to excel, but public criticism only embarrasses
and alienates everyone.”
Six, stay close to the action.
“You need to be visible to the members of your organization. Talk to people,
visit other offices and work sites, ask questions, and observe how business is
being handled. Often you will gain new insights into your work and find new
opportunities for motivating other followers.”
Seven, make a game of competition.
“The competitive drive can be a valuable tool if you use it correctly. Set team
goals, and reward members who meet or exceed them. Examine your failures and
celebrate your group’s success.”
But most people in responsible positions are known only for covering their own
asses. They don’t contribute and yet claim credit for their subordinates’
successes.
CYA – “cover your ass” – has been the motto of most people in high places. And
they wonder why they find themselves alone on the way down.
