Chapter 19: Leadership Lessons

Jack Welch said “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others”

A good leader is not only a good commander but is also able to get work from his followers and channelize them towards the attainment of the goal. The leader applies their qualities and skills for achieving the group goals. So, we can state the definition “Leaders are those who have the ability to influence the behavior of others without the use of force.” A leader must have some characteristics which differentiate him from the others.

Some specific qualities of successful leaders are:        

1. Adaptable to change- Look at change as an opportunity to improve

2. Cooperative and being well informed of the environment

3. Decisive- Makes quick and timely decisions

4. Assertive – Pushy and insistent (GE- Jack Welch)

5. Knowledgeable- Subject matter expert

Leadership cannot sustain without followership. It is the willingness of people to follow him that makes a person an Effective leader. People also follow those whom they see as providing a means for achieving their goals.

I am thankful to various leaders under whom I worked and got the opportunity to learn the practical leadership lessons as also to experience leadership qualities. Those experiences have considerably influenced and helped me to shape my leadership skills. A few of such qualities that I observed in those leaders are listed below: -

1.?? As good leader interacts with department employees and tells them what he expects them to do. Sets a clear Vision & Goals and communicates the same effectively

2.?? Displays concern for employees and respect for all

3.?? Very systematic in documentation/planning/organizing

4.?? Extremely fast in decision making based on data available

5.?? Always keeps the smile on the face – this invite subordinates to discuss with him freely

6.?? Enthusiastic and energetic – Encourages the team to give their best.

7.?? Always Keeps cool. When mistakes occur, correct the employees, and make them understand as to what went wrong with a root cause analysis & how they should they take care of it in the future.

8.?? Develop a trust amongst the employees. Effectively delegate the work – Encourage others to take responsibility and deliver it. Guide them properly to ensure the subordinates succeeds. When the assignment is completed, appreciate the entire team.

9.?? Practices Management by walking around and Interacting with the team members and stake holders

10. Excellent vendor management. Gets into details – analyzes them and comes out with expected results

11.?Pays attention to maintain fitness of body and mind

12.?Always have a sense of urgency to complete activities and get things done. He urges his team to get things done then and there itself

13. Rewards and Recognizes the good performers periodically. Also reprimands non-performers

14.?Encourages risk taking. Open to new ideas, helps with implementing the good ones.

15.?Walks the talk; leads the way to demonstrate uncompromising integrity

16.?Conducts periodical reviews and provides honest feedbacks

"Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others."-John Maxwell