A while ago we published an article on the mistakes leaders tend to make. I recommend reading it, as it complements this one perfectly.
Today we look at the main characteristics of a leader when it comes to running a team.
1. Unwavering courage: No follower wants to be “dominated” by a leader who lacks self-confidence.
2. Self-control: A leader who can’t control themselves will never be able to control others.
3. A sense of justice: Without a clear sense of what is fair and just, no leader can direct their followers and keep their respect.
4. Firm decisions: A leader who wavers in their decisions shows they aren’t sure of themselves, and ends up breeding distrust among their followers.
5. Clear, precise plans: To succeed, you have to draw up a plan. A leader who moves without a clear and concise plan is like a ship without a rudder: sooner or later it ends up on the rocks.
6. A pleasant personality: A leader is respected, and respect is earned through a person’s worth, not through followers’ fear. Being a serious leader doesn’t mean you have to be a stern, unfriendly person. Being likeable wins followers.
7. Understanding: A leader directs different people, each with their own character and personal problems, and has to take them into account when dealing with particular people at particular moments.
8. Willingness to take full responsibility: A successful leader must be willing to own both their own mistakes and those of their followers. That shows teamwork and a gift for leadership.
9. Humility: When a leader stops being humble, they stop being a decent human being. Followers don’t follow a figurehead; they follow a person with ethical and moral values.
10. A leader isn’t perfect: A leader makes mistakes and gets things wrong. They can’t expect to be perfect, but they must learn from those mistakes so as not to repeat them.
Further reading
Featured image: Joe Shlabotnik, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
