Effective Leadership Skills

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Introduction
• Organizational Leadership is at a premium today and there is a clear recognition of the fact that in most situations the enthusiasm & motivation aroused in people by powerful & positive leadership is the most potent strategic weapon that provides sustained competitive advantage.
• Today, management is defined as, “The process of getting things done though others”; whereas leadership is defined as “The process of getting things done willingly through others”. The difference between the two definitions is one word but that word willingness and the degree of willingness aroused determine the effectiveness of the leader. Positive and powerful leader has an extraordinary ability to arouse such degrees of willingness & motivation in people that the impossible seems to become possible. The willingness aroused by a leader in organizational situations translates into achievement & excellence.
THREE MAJOR INGREDIENTS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
1. The ability to develop a climate that is conducive for motivation through personal example.
2. A leader’s ability & confidence to inspire.
3. The ability to comprehend human behaviour and apply this knowledge to people & situation.
The various roles played by Effective Leaders of today are identified as follows:
1. Envisioner
2. Role Model
3. Motivator
4. Goal Setter
5. Initiator
6. Decision Maker
7. Informer
8. Conflict Resolver
9. Controller
10. Team Builder
11. Spokesman
12. Crises Manager
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEADER
Intellectual Characteristics
1. Originality
2. Far-sightedness
3. Receptiveness
4. Decisiveness
5. Sense of Timing
6. Intelligence
Personality Characteristics
1. Personal Integrity
2. Self-confidence
3. Emotional Balance & Control
4. Adaptability
5. Assertiveness
6. Tough Mindedness
7. Resourcefulness
8. Tolerance of Stress
9. Perceptual Objectivity
10. High Need for Achievement
Task Related Characteristics
1. Task Knowledge & Expertise
2. Administrative Ability
3. Responsibility Acceptance
4. Deadline & Schedule Orientation
5. Team Management Ability
6. Proactive Orientation
7. Ability to identify and Focus on Key Issues
8. Decision Making & problem Solving
Socially Related Characteristics
1. Humanison & Empathy
2. Personal Impact / charm
3. Socio-cultural Sensitivity
4. Interpersonal and Social Networking
5. Social Participation & Friendliness
6. Tact & Diplomacy
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
 A leader must have some basic skills to perform his duties effectively. A list of suggested leadership skills critical to success in the global economy includes the following:
1. CULTURAL FLEXIBILITY
Cultural awareness and sensitivity _______ recognize and celebrate the value of diversity in their organizations.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Written, verbal, body language & listening skills.
3. HRD SKILLS
Development of the human resources _____ training career counseling, job evaluation.
4. CREATIVITY
Problem solving, innovation, setting goals and assisting subordinates to be creative.
5. SELF MANAGEMENT OF LEARNING
Learning is a continuous process ______ learning new methods, skills and technology ______ must be self-learner.
6. MANAGING TIME & STRESS.
7. DELEGATING
8. MOTIVATING & INFLUENCING OTHERS
9. TEAM BUILDING
10. MANAGING CONFLICTS


SKILLS & ABILITIES FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
• Social Objectivity: Ability to act free of racial, ethnic, gender or other biases.
• Inner work Standards: Ability to set & meet highly personal work goals.
• Self-Understanding: Ability to recognize one’s strengths & weaknesses.
• Introspection: Ability to learn from experience & self-study.
• Vision: Ability to imagine a different & better situation and ways to achieve it.
• Entrepreneurism: Ability to spot & take advantage of opportunities.
• Empowerment: Ability to share influence & control with others.

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP TRAITS
• Intelligence & Analytical Ability
• Energy & Personal Drive
• Self- Confidence
• Dominance & Assertiveness
• Desire to Lead
• Honesty & Integrity
• Knowledge & Expertise
• Need for Achievement
• Creativity & Intuition

VARIOUS TYPES OF BEHAVIOUR DISPLAYED BY EFFECTIVE LEADERS
1. Consideration: It is the extent to which a leader is approachable and shows personal concern for subordinates.
2. Initiating Structure: The degree to which a leader concentrates on groups’ goal attainment.
3. Reward Behaviour: The extent to which a leader provides his subordinates with compliments, tangible benefits and desired specific treatment.
4. Punishment Behaviour: The leader’s use of reprimands or unfavourable tasks assignments and active with holding of rewards.