Breaking Down Leadership

By Shane Dreiling
Director TeamArete.com

What is leadership? My definition is quite simple; “Leadership is the act of empowering and communicating a shared vision while serving others through personal integrity and character.” Below, I’ve included some general thoughts on the subject which I hope cause you to reflect your own unique leadership skills.

A. Related Thoughts
1. An effective leader must be able to positively influence human behavior.
2. There is a difference between a leader and a manager. Managers assess tasks and develop strategies to accomplish those tasks while focused on day-to-day operations.
3. Leaders are more visionary and interpret the environment to chart the future.

B. Leadership Perspectives
1. The world’s most effective leaders tend to share many of the same traits. What works for some, works for many.
2. Shared traits include commitment, focus, passion, advanced communication and listening skills, and self-discipline.
3. Effective leaders have strong characteristics that set them apart from others.
4. Those who seek self-improvement can always further develop these characteristics by learning from other effective leaders.
5. They define roles but allow for “thinking outside the box” opportunities.
6. They are task oriented and try to avoid a boss centered environment.
7. Leaders are quick to delegate over “telling."
8. Two under-appreciated traits that many of the best leaders possess are servanthood and note taking. Strong leaders realize that to gain faithful followers, you must put people first. After all, you can’t lead if no one is following.
9. Effective leadership starts at the top but is nurtured at the bottom of the ladder.

C. Effectiveness of Tasks
1. Dependent on the relationship between leader and followers, organization and vision of the leader, and the respect the leader garners.

D. Leadership Qualities: Communication Characteristics
1. Well-informed
2. Provide direction and structure to the group.
3. Are articulate and have a knack for getting others to buy into their vision.
4. Adaptable to an ever-changing environment and group needs.
5. Encourage positive interaction by establishing a democratic style.