One of the interesting parts of being a
college professor is, that you can obtain the most
interesting and holistic pictures of the examined topics,
through the fairly straightforward process of
horizonalization, which is placing all answers from all
participants on one level and subsequently eliminating the
redundant parts.
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His or her mission and vision. The
strength of a leader starts with having a clearly
defined purpose in life.
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His or her conviction and the most
appropriate leadership style, given this conviction.
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His or her communication skills, because
those will make it possible to orient followers closer
to the goal or dream.
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The present situation, the people who
will follow the vision, the leader-follower respect
level, and the desired result.
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Humility. An arrogant leader will not be
followed for long, because he or she will intimidate his
or her followers, which will interfere in the quality of
mutual communication and sharing the conviction. Once
the followers turn away, the leader ceases to be a
leader. On the other hand, a leader who is humble enough
to give followers credit for their efforts will be
honored and respected in return.
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Adaptability to changing environments.
Nothing guarantees a downfall better than a stubborn,
inflexible leader.
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People skills: Knowing how to deal with
followers from various backgrounds, and thus, with
various perceptions.
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A well-rounded personality: Being able
to get along with people and be sympathetic while, at
the same time, being knowledgeable and stable as well.
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Understanding: Although this ties into
adaptability and people skills, this factor still
deserves separate mentioning, as understanding pertains
to much more than just working well with followers. It
encompasses the entire environment in which the leader
leads.
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The ability to motivate others: It is
not always easy to get a group of people at the same
level. Different followers may have different
perceptions and different capacities, and therefore may
need different tactics to get things done.
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Ethics. Before leading anyone the leader
should make sure his or her intentions and values are in
the right place.
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Inspiration. This is closely related to
conviction, communication, and motivation. The leader
should believe in him or herself; be able to get the
message across, and live it in order to get the
followers to do the same.
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Honesty. If a leader is caught lying
once, his or her integrity is lost, and therefore the
trust of the followers.
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Kindness: The leader should be
accessible and friendly, because these manifestations
will encourage followers to open up and share their
suggestions and experiences, which may turn out to be
valuable resources to the leader.
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Charisma: Although maybe not the most
important asset for a leader to consider, charisma helps
to get people moving toward the goal at a steadier pace.
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Determination: Once the goal is set, the
leader should be confident and resolute in achieving it,
in spite of some hurdles that will undoubtedly surface.
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Sensitivity. Showing empathy for others'
needs, and giving support and understanding without
becoming overwhelmed by others' problems, make for a
strong leader.
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Responsible risk taking. This takes
courage, but should be applied anyway. A good leader
should go for what he or she believes in, even when the
odds are against him or her. At the same time, the
leader should stay on the right side of the fine line
between taking calculated risks and indulging in foolish
recklessness.
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Decisiveness. Being able to make bold
decisions when necessary can determine the difference
between mediocrity and greatness.
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A good heart. It is the heart that
drives every part of an individual. By having a heart
the leader shows character.
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Supportiveness to followers, and, as a
result to that: guidance in every possible form.
Mentoring may be one of them. Facilitating training to
enhance followers' skills is another.
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The organization he or she is leading,
and the goals of this organization. If the goals of the
organization are not aligned to the values of the
leader, he or she should consider leading somewhere
else.
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A hardworking and dedicated approach.
Although this is known more as a management skill than a
leadership trait, it still does miracles for the
identification of followers with their leader.
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Respect toward followers. If they feel
appreciated and respected for their input, followers
will be encouraged to perform even better.
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Listening. Followers often have very
useful information to share. Besides, they experience it
as positive if their leader also lends an ear to their
personal issues.
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Caring: A leader who listens should also
follow up by attempting to improve the quality of his or
her followers' lives.
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Being positive and optimistic: this
attitude will rub off on followers, and they will make
the seemingly impossible possible.
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Being encouraging toward followers, even
when they fail. A good leader does not shy away from
giving a reprimand, but does not dwell on it too long
either. He or she tries to catch people doing good
things, and mentions that to them as well!
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Being socially responsible, and trying
to do things right to set an example for followers. This
may be the point where the golden rule should be
mentioned as an important leadership consideration:
"do unto others as you would want them to do unto
you." The golden rule includes being cognizant of
their behaviors towards employees of the company as well
as customers and peers
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Having knowledge of the followers and
the situation, so that the leader can apply the right
leadership strategies.
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Being calm and collected, which radiates
trust to all stakeholders.
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Being patient, as this is the trait that
ultimately will deliver the rewards.
It is needless to say that the list could
continue inexhaustibly. However, the above provided points
may encourage you to add your own perspectives.
