Leadership Skills

What is leadership?

• It is a process by which an executive directs his subordinates and

influence the work and behaviour of others for the common benefit
of the organisation as well as its members.
• To lead means to guide, to direct and to integrate the efforts of
people of an organisation towards a common goal.
Who is a leader?
• An effective leader directs the activities of his followers and integrates
their activities for the accomplishment of some pre- determined
objectives. He motivates them to work more and better.
• The success of an enterprise largely depends upon the quality of its
leadership
• Mooney & Reiley, “Leadership is regarded as the form which the
authority assumes when it enters into process”.
• Chester I. Koontz & O’Donnell, “Leadership may be defined as the
influence, the art or the process of influencing people so that they
will strive willingly towards the achievement of group goals”.
Characteristics of Leadership :
1. Followers : The success of leadership depends upon the number of followers. Larger the number of
followers, more successful will be the leadership. Leadership cannot be thought of in the absence of followers.
2. A Personal Quality : Leadership is a personal quality of character and behaviour, which enables him to
influence his men to follow and the followers follow his order and direction.
3. A Common Goal : Leadership clusters around the achievement of common goals. There must be some
common goals before the leader and his followers. All the activities must be oriented to achieve these goals.
4. Active Relations : Presence of active relations between a leader and his followers is essential for effective
leadership. The leader must himself initiate the work as he want it to be done by his followers.
5. Practical Approach : An effective leader is one who adopts practical approach towards the problems of
enterprise. He should
not be rigid. He should change his behaviour according to the need of time. He should follow the democratic
method of leadership through wide and flexible approach.
6. It is a Process : Leadership is a continuous process of directing, guiding, presenting examples and influencing
the people to make their best efforts for the attainment of pre-determined objectives.
Importance and need for leadership
1. Determination of Goals : A leader performs the creative function of laying down goals and policies for the followers. He acts as a
guide in interpreting the goals and policies.
2. Organisation of Activities : A good leader divides organisation activities among the employees in a systematic manner. The
relationships between them are clearly laid down. This reduces the chances of conflict between them.
3. Achieving Coordination : A leader integrates the goals of the individuals with the organisational goals and creates a community of
interests. He keeps himself informed about the working of the group. He shares information with the group for the coordination of its
efforts.
4. Representation of Workers : A leader is a representative of his group. He takes initiative in all matters of interest to the group. He
also attempts to fulfill the psychological needs of his followers.
5. Providing Guidance : A leader guides the subordinates towards the achievement of organisational objectives. He is available for
advice whenever a subordinate faces any problem.
6. Inspiration of Employees : A good leader inspires the subordinates for better performance. Motivation is necessary for getting the
desired work from the subordinates. The leader motivates the employees by providing them economic and non-economic rewards.
7. Building Employees’ Morale : Good leadership is indispensable for high employee morale. The leader shapes the thinking and
altitudes of the group. He develops good human relations and facilitates interactions among the members of the group. He maintains
voluntary cooperation and discipline among followers.
What are leadership skills?
Leadership skills are skills you use when organizing other people to reach a shared goal. Whether you’re in a
management position or leading a project, leadership skills require you to motivate others to complete a series of
tasks, often according to a schedule. Leadership is not just one skill but rather a combination of several different
skills working together.
Some examples of skills that make a strong leader include:
• Patience
• Empathy
• Active listening
• Reliability
• Dependability
• Creativity
• Positivity
• Effective feedback
• Timely communication
• Team building
• Flexibility
• Risk-taking
Conclusion

Effective leaders are essential to any organization. They can help

build strong teams within a business and ensure projects,
initiatives or other work functions are performed successfully.
Because the skills of a leader involve multiple interpersonal and
communication skills, anyone can exercise and hone their
leadership abilities.