While ‘leadership’ may be defined as the quality or ability to make a person a leader, there’s far more to it than that. Effective leadership is the key to achieving progress and success both at an individual level as well as across the organisation.
During International Leadership Week, we’re taking a look at what it means to be a great leader and looking at leadership styles in terms of analysing long term goals and objectives for success.
What does it mean to be a great leader?
When we think of great leaders, well-known names in business or politics may spring to mind, but what determines them as great? Are there definite traits we can consider as being essential for effective leadership?
Let’s delve a bit deeper. Whose leadership style do you admire and why? What’s the difference between your personal leadership style and the way your inspirational leader behaves or portrays themselves? Are there any behavioural aspects in your own style that either need improving or even totally eliminating?
As action coaches, we believe the answer to great leadership is a combination of ability, education, learning and upskilling – the act of achieving success through successfully aligning the why, the what, the how and the way.
Defining your leadership style
Now let’s turn the tables and think about ourselves. What style of leadership do you wish to define for yourself and expect from others in your organisation? Remember, your role as a leader is to motivate, empower and develop others, so what style do you wish to embed in them?
A personal leadership challenge
Being aware of your personal style – strengths, weaknesses, etc – will enable you to bring value to the people you lead and the organisation you work in.
So my challenge to you this week involves looking in the mirror, analysing your current leadership style and being honest with yourself. Be brutal in thinking about where your leadership style is at today versus where you’d ideally like it to be in the future. Then you’ll need to work out the steps needed to get there.
As an individual, what behaviours, traits or characteristics do you need to change? Where do your real strengths and talents lie, and are there any areas of education and learning that you’ll need to implement or adapt? Take time to think about your working day too. Do you spend enough time delegating tasks, encouraging others and giving them the freedom to make decisions?
It’s likely that this challenge may involve stepping outside of your comfort zone, but remember that there’s no clear cut answer for the best leadership style. It’s a question of identifying how to get the most out of your colleagues, understanding your organisation and putting in place an effective combination of style and techniques.
We’d love to hear how you’ve adapted your own leadership style, or how you’ve brought small but effective changes in your team. Feel free to give us a call on 02392 454 111 to share your story, or get in touch if you’d like us to help you achieve your goals.
