Please list or describe essential traits which you believe every strong leader must possess. To me, the number one essential skill for a leader to have is powerful communication! What do you think?
I think you are right about communication, Jamie, but I would say three things: Maturity (wisdeom and grace) Integrity (trustworthyness) Leads by example (not detached from the work of his/her colleagues)--is the best at what s/he does
I agree with you Jamie. Communication is a powerful too that enables staff to not only see the tasks at hand, but hopefully understand the leader's vision for the future. Excellent communication helps clear the air of any confusion or assumptions that can lead to greater miscommunications and negative issues later on. Other important attributes of a leader? HUMILITY, ability to facilitate (and not be a dominant, driving force all the time), be a visionary, listen...reflect...then respond, confident, knowledgeable, passionate, thorough, and able to assist others to grow and improve.
Communication is critical, and so are the other traits mentioned. I value flexibility in a leader- the ability to adapt swiftly to changing situations in a positive and productive manner.
That's a strong list guys! Strangely, I hadn't even thought of trustworthiness or humility. I guess I just assumed all leaders would possess those traits. Sadly, I realize that isn't true.
While I agree that communication is key to effective leadership, I contend that a variety of definitions exist for "effective communication". I have been impressed by the studies of Deborah Tannen on gender differences in communication. Too often, in our society, leaders are expected to communicate their vision, i.e. tell everyone what to do. In my opinion, effective communication also involves active listening in equal proportion to expressive language. Unfortunately, many still perceive listening, and the resultant compromises, as being indicative of a lack of leadership. Because women often solicit input more readily than men, they are judged to be indecisive, i.e. poor leaders. I believe this perception puts women at a disadvantage in leadership positions.
I think you are right about communication, Jamie, but I would say three things:
ReplyDeleteMaturity (wisdeom and grace)
Integrity (trustworthyness)
Leads by example (not detached from the work of his/her colleagues)--is the best at what s/he does
I agree with you Jamie. Communication is a powerful too that enables staff to not only see the tasks at hand, but hopefully understand the leader's vision for the future. Excellent communication helps clear the air of any confusion or assumptions that can lead to greater miscommunications and negative issues later on. Other important attributes of a leader? HUMILITY, ability to facilitate (and not be a dominant, driving force all the time), be a visionary, listen...reflect...then respond, confident, knowledgeable, passionate, thorough, and able to assist others to grow and improve.
ReplyDeleteCommunication is critical, and so are the other traits mentioned. I value flexibility in a leader- the ability to adapt swiftly to changing situations in a positive and productive manner.
ReplyDeleteThat's a strong list guys! Strangely, I hadn't even thought of trustworthiness or humility. I guess I just assumed all leaders would possess those traits. Sadly, I realize that isn't true.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that communication is key to effective leadership, I contend that a variety of definitions exist for "effective communication". I have been impressed by the studies of Deborah Tannen on gender differences in communication. Too often, in our society, leaders are expected to communicate their vision, i.e. tell everyone what to do. In my opinion, effective communication also involves active listening in equal proportion to expressive language. Unfortunately, many still perceive listening, and the resultant compromises, as being indicative of a lack of leadership. Because women often solicit input more readily than men, they are judged to be indecisive, i.e. poor leaders. I believe this perception puts women at a disadvantage in leadership positions.
ReplyDelete