BECOMING A BETTER LEADER

The first step towards becoming a better leader, starts with understanding leadership styles and characteristics of effective leadership.

“Leaders being born vs. made is a bit of a separate issue. The research on this issue is fairly conclusive: 50/50. We have innate predispositions that affect who we are and what we do (nature) but we can learn and develop and grow (nurture).” - Dave Ulrich, Author

There has always been a debate over whether leaders are born or made. Some believe that leadership is an innate trait that some people are born with, whereas others believe that leadership can be developed and learned through experience and training.

Both points of view are supported by evidence. Studies have shown that certain personality traits and characteristics, such as confidence, charisma, and emotional intelligence are linked to effective leadership. These characteristics can be influenced by genetics or early life experiences, and they can be pronounced in different people.

However, there is evidence that leadership skills and knowledge can be acquired through training and experience. Many successful leaders honed their skills through education and practice, learning to adapt their leadership style to various situations and contexts.

Both nature and nurture are likely to play a role in the development of leadership skills. Some people have a natural proclivity for leadership, but this does not guarantee success. Anyone, regardless of their natural tendencies, can benefit from developing and improving leadership skills and knowledge through training and experience.

Leadership development is the process of improving a person's knowledge and leadership abilities within an organization. Coaching, mentoring, and training courses are examples of learning and development initiatives. It is designed to help leaders gain a better understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to lead successfully within their organizations.

Although there are numerous approaches to developing leaders, the following elements are frequently used:

Self-evaluation: It is beneficial for leaders to consider their own leadership style and effectiveness, as well as to identify areas where they can improve. To get feedback, you could use self-assessment tools or talk to a coach or mentor.

Training and education: Many organizations offer learning programs designed specifically to assist leaders in acquiring new skills and information. These courses could focus on specific leadership skills such as communication, negotiation, or strategic planning.

Coaching and mentoring: Working with a coach or mentor to receive advice and assistance can be a beneficial approach for executives looking to advance their careers. Leaders can identify and focus on specific areas for development with the help of coaches and mentors who can provide tailored feedback and support.

Leadership can also be developed through practical experience and experimentation. Accepting new responsibilities or challenges, as well as participating in leadership development courses that include role-playing or simulations, could be part of this.

Leaders, in general, benefit from ongoing leadership development. Before we dive into leadership development, we must understand leadership styles to identify our style and work accordingly.

There?are?numerous?leadership?styles,?and?the?most?effective?style?for?a?given?situation?may?be?determined?by?several?factors,?including?the?leader's?personality,?the?needs?and?preferences?of?their?team,?and?the?specific?goals?and?challenges?that?must?be?met.

Some?examples?of?common?leadership?styles?are:

Autocratic leaders make their own decisions and expect their team to obey them without question.?This style may be effective in situations requiring quick decisions, but it may not be as effective in fostering creativity and innovation.

Democratic leaders include their teams in decision making and encourage feedback and collaboration.?This style can instill a sense of ownership and commitment in team members, but it may be inefficient in situation requiring quick decisions.

Laissez-faire leaders give their teams a high degree of freedom and autonomy, only stepping in to offer guidance or support when necessary. This approach can be effective in fostering creativity and innovation, but it may not be as effective in situations requiring a more structured or directive approach.

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams to achieve common goals and visions. They are concerned with assisting their team members in developing their skills and potential, and they may employ a variety of approaches and methods to engage and inspire their team.

Finally, the most effective leadership style will be determined by the team's specific needs and goals, as well as the leader's strengths and preferences. Many leaders find it beneficial to use a combination of different styles, depending on the situation.

As very rightly said by Margaret Wheatley, “Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.”

While there are different leadership styles, there are certain characteristics that are essential to all leadership styles. All these characteristics contribute to effective leadership. Some of the characteristics that are frequently associated with strong leaders are as follows:

Confidence: Leaders must have the confidence to inspire and motivate their teams. Confidence is not synonymous with arrogance or overconfidence, but rather with self-assurance and belief in one's own abilities.

Emotional intelligence: It is the ability to recognize and comprehend one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others and to apply that comprehension to manage relationships and navigate social situations. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better at establishing trust, communicating effectively, and fostering a positive work environment.

Integrity: Honest, dependable, and ethical leaders are often more trusted and respected by their teams.

Vision: Strong leaders have a clear vision for the future and can communicate it to their team in a way that inspires and motivates them to work toward it.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find new and innovative solutions is an important characteristic of effective leaders.

Communication: Effective communication is critical for leaders because it allows them to clearly communicate their expectations and vision to their team members while also building strong relationships with them.

Decision-making: Good leaders can make difficult decisions in the face of uncertainty or conflict. They can weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various options and make the best decision for the team.

Empathy: Leaders who can understand and relate to their team members' experiences and perspectives are more effective at building trust and creating a positive work environment.

Collaboration: Strong leaders can work well with others and bring people together to achieve a common goal. They can encourage collaboration and teamwork within their team.

To Conclude, if you are on the path to becoming a better leader in your chosen fields, take time to reflect on your leadership style and work on various leadership characteristics that you feel are lacking in your leadership style. Work with your company and/or mentors to help you identify gaps in your leadership and find effective ways to manage your leadership development.