How to be a successful leader?

To be a good leader, above all practices be a good follower first. Here are some qualities that will make you an effective and successful leader.

1. Unwavering courage

A leader must have unshakable courage. The best example is former South African President Nelson Mandela. Despite 27 years in prison, torture, and coercion, he stood firm in his determination to fight racism. Such people also motivate followers to walk on the path of leaders.

2. Self-control

Self-control is one of the most underrated qualities that defines how mature a leader you are. One example of a leader demonstrating self-control is Mahatma Gandhi, the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, known as satyagraha, required him to maintain a high level of self-control in the face of provocation and adversity.

3. A keen sense of justice

A leader must treat all people fairly and impartially, ensuring that decisions and actions are based on principles of fairness and justice. With all their honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, they should be committed to supporting the rights and dignity of all members of their team.

4. Definiteness in decision and planning

Decision and planning is one of the most important and critical responsibility of a leader as this would affect not only the leader but all the followers. A leader should always have a very clear reason for all the important decisions and have clarity in the planning.

5. The habit of doing more than expected

As a leader, you should do more than expected. An example of a leader who has gone above and beyond expectations is Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. He is known for his ambitious and revolutionary goals in fields such as electric vehicles and space exploration.

6. A pleasing personality

A leader should have a charismatic and pleasing personality which helps in engaging the followers. If a leader has tremendous skills and knowledge but cannot engage others to pass on the same then that leads to failure in leadership.

7. Empathy

A leader should have the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another person. Empathy allows individuals to connect with others on a deeper level, to be sensitive to their needs, and to provide support and understanding. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.

8. Mastery of details

Paying attention to details ensures accuracy and precision in work. When leaders and individuals have a mastery of details, they are less likely to make errors or overlook important information. This leads to better decision-making, more effective problem-solving, and higher-quality outcomes.

9. Willingness to assume full responsibility

Leaders should be ready and willing to take ownership and be accountable for the outcomes of one’s actions, decisions, and obligations. It involves accepting both positive and negative consequences, that arise from one’s choices and commitments. Leaders who possess a willingness to assume full responsibility understand that they are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of their endeavors. They do not shy away from accountability but instead embrace it as an integral part of their role.

Credits:

• Inspired by a chapter in the book “Think & grow rich”
• Images: https://undraw.co/

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