Characteristics of the Effective Leader

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EFFECTIVE LEADER (BY LINDA HOLBECHE)

Leaders have an important role within an organization related to its success, productivity and

the performance of the employees. The ‘fundamental task of a leader is to build and maintain a high

performing team’. The true task of leadership involves the ability to make change happen. Although

multitudes of research have been done on what makes an effective leader, there appears to be no

guaranteed consensus. Essentially outstanding leaders become a fine balance between traits, abilities,

behaviors, sources of power, and aspects of the situation. These become the determining factors of the

ability to influence followers and accomplish group objectives. Therefore, any member of any group,

at any one time, may assume a leadership role, given any degree of innate traits and the circumstances

surrounding the event. Different people who can effectively influence what the group does, how it is

done and the method by which the group relates to one another could carry out various leadership

functions.

Effective leadership begins with the fundamental ability to believe in yourself. It incorporates

a maturity, conviction, and expertise that translates into a purpose and direction. It is this clarity of

vision that gives great leaders the confidence to adopt the role of instilling motivation, self-esteem, and

teamwork. As visionaries, they are disciplined thinkers and confidently trust their intuition. Leaders

understand fully their environment and can transform situations to attain an established vision. Leaders

can combine change with growth, take prudent risks, and demonstrate considerable problem solving

abilities. They believe in people, are sensitive to other's needs and appreciate a person's core values.

They will actively remake a challenge to yield productive outcomes by creating an organization that

develops and fosters success. Although often debated, leadership traits can be learned...