The development of leadership skills – There is a saying that leaders are born, not made. People who are not leaders by birth are somewhat discouraged by this statement. In a sense, a visionary, charismatic individual with the ability to impose his or her personality on others may be true.
Leadership qualities have to be developed and refined as well when confronted with a situation requiring them. It is not necessary for ordinary mortals to despair. Their natural abilities can also be developed, and their leadership skills can be developed. This can be accomplished by following a ten-point plan.
The first step. Leaders need to understand what leadership means.
The second. Identify and appreciate the different styles of leadership.
The third point. What is the fundamental leadership style you believe you possess?
The fourth point. Find out what other people, colleagues, and even members of your own team think of your leadership style.
The fifth. With this information in mind, consider how you can modify your style while remaining true to your personality. To put it another way, you should still have a natural style.
The sixth. Consider the situations and problems you are likely to encounter as a leader. What leadership style would be most appropriate for all of them if you modified it accordingly? Would a different style have been better on any of those occasions if not? Consider what you need to do to allow yourself to flex your style without appearing inconsistent to your team if this is the case.
The seventh. Use the checklist below to evaluate your own performance after reading the various explanations of the characteristics of a good leader. Consider what needs to be done – what can be done – about any weaknesses you identify.
The eighth. If you have worked for or with any managers, think about or observe them.
The ninth point. Using the checklist, evaluate each of them.
The number ten. Think about the leadership behaviors they demonstrate that are effective and those that are less effective. Assess where your own leadership behaviors could be improved in light of this information.
