Leadership: mix of skills and morals
Leadership is not about what the leader is made of, but what the
leader demonstrates in his daily actions. It is about how he or she
builds the confidence of everyone else.
Leaders are responsible for the big structures that serve as the
cornerstones of confidence and for the human touch that shapes a
positive emotional climate to inspire and motivate people.
Confidence alone worked in the old environment and we all benefitted
by practicing it. But times have changed demanding finer, more
aggressive and deeper inner thoughts and skills to stay ahead in the
game.
Consider today's level and nature of competition and challenges. They
are unpredictable, fierce, dirty and cut-throat. The conditions to play
the game are not the same as before. Continue to nurture the skills you
have been depending on earlier. After all they have taken you this far.
But think of new skills to effectively deal with the changes.
A sense of bravery enables you to confront the changed situations
better. Physical bravery is seen through body language, while moral
bravery is not. It's the ability to act correctly in the face of popular
opposition. And both are equally important - one in isolation has little
effect.
Defeatism
Battle after battle is the reality of the business world - when will
we see the end of discouraging news and negative developments? - Never?
Defeatism is a natural feeling even when winning, as the future is
uncertain.
Leaders encounter harsh realities but can never show less than sheer
bravery and optimism in the eyes of followers.
A leader needs to project bravery for the team to share the same
feeling when approaching more aggressive battles for success. A leader
arguably should be quite an actor.
Changing moods, balancing emotions and sending positive signals to
the team is a fundamental need to build a sense of hope and confidence.
This process has a reciprocal effect - so it helps the leader too, to
stay on course.
Perhaps the leadership trait most admired by followers is bravery in
any situation. Followers like to see leaders thinking big and showing
courage.
This is a leadership trait most entrepreneurs have in spades! Bravery
is infectious and inspirational - and works.
Our own history teaches us many real examples of bravery. So it is
inherent to us but how many of us use this trait to add something to
life.
At the end of the day, leadership is about having the guts to make
tough decisions and making them work through the people. If someone is
afraid to make and commit to decisions, all of the communication and
empowerment in the world won't make a squat of difference.
Real power
Not only does bravery allow you to make the tough decisions that
people expect from a strong leader but it's reassuring to your
employees.
As a leader, consider how well you deliver a speech at a company
forum.
If you deliver it with bravery, it inspires your team, but the same
speech delivered with doubt becomes a mockery.
Any discussion on leadership without first addressing the internal
confidence of the leader in question is little more than window
dressing.
Passion - No one will be passionate if you can't set a course for the
future with confidence.
Communication - People don't listen to those who are unsure of
themselves and lack power.
Empowerment - If you don't have the internal fortitude to make
decisions and commitments, then empowerment is just an empty word.
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