Saturday, February 27, 2010

What Ensures An Effective Leadership?

The past research on leadership has revealed many of its aspects and has come up with many successful leadership theories and a wide array of leadership styles; however, none of the theory and style could assure the promising success if followed in an organization or even in a department of the organization. The present complex yet intriguing scenario demands a multi-skilled leader, capable of using the variety of leadership styles when dealing with different confronting situations.
Research concludes that it is not only the leadership styles, leadership skills and traits that ensure the effective leadership but, the various situational factors and the interaction between leaders and followers also play an immense part in analyzing the effective leadership.
For the proper analysis of situation and then gradually deciding the style to be implemented; one should judge the situation from different dimensions.

Degree Of Authority

First thing to be assessed is the amount of power a leader is entrusted with in an organization. Such as the degree of financial resources and the expertise available, the deadlines for the particular task and the directions and limitations accompanying the task. The more the leader is allowed to play a free hand by the organization, the better he be able to lead the group properly and obtain the results without the use of autocratic approach.

Nature Of The Task
The nature of the task affects the leadership style too. If the goals are well defined to the followers along with the steps available to be taken, the more easily the best results would be obtained. The good quality can be ensured and the followers could be made responsible as well as rewarded for their tasks. However, if the work is task oriented and the goals are unstructured, there will be room for distractions and, there are high chances that the efforts of followers are not channeled well. Hence, the outcome would not be productive either.

Communication skills
The factors like interpersonal communication skills, mutual understanding and the relationship between the leader and followers are of immense importance to judge the effectiveness of any applied style as the authority exercised by leader and the task to be accomplished are highly under the control of the organization but, here in personal relations and understanding, the leader is totally independent of organization.Hence,if the relations exercised by both the parties are good and are based on mutual understandings, the democratic or participative style can prove to be effective for leadership.

Judging The Most Appropriate Leadership

Considering the authority of leader, the nature of task and the relations between leaders and followers’ one could decide the situation and based on that situation, leadership style and the degree leadership success could be assessed.
If the leader’s power is weak and the task is not clearly defined, along with poor, dotted relations with the followers, the situation is unfavorable. The successful leadership can be ensured by adopting a style that focuses more on task by using autocratic style where, all the decisions are taken solely by leader and the subordinated are directed to do certain tasks. Though, the subordinates would be uncertain of their future but, the maximum results could be achieved by directing the team mates at all steps.
On the other hand, when the situation is extremely favorable such as the power exercised by the leader is maximum, the tasks are articulately defined and, the strong, well-supported relations are established, the leader can focus solely on the attainment of goal by adopting the democratic style which permits the followers to come up with useful suggestions and, they are well integrated in the decision making process too.
However, when the situation is a balance between favorable and unfavorable i.e. moderate; the successful leadership can be achieved when the leader focuses on the relations. Under this situation, the leader should follow employee-centered style where the goals are defined to subordinates and they are given full freedom to do it in the way they want to do. The leader focuses on the human aspect and the goals solely.
The authentic leadership comes when the leader critically analysis the situation well and integrate it with different styles and approaches. Neither the task oriented approach nor the good relationship approach could be effective unless it is well integrated with the true essence of goal. The more amalgamated sort of styles one pursues, the more successful he would be. The things like his confidence on system and the subordinates, the expectations from the subordinates and from the organization play imperative part in determining the leadership success.However, once all the assessments are made carefully, keeping in view the above-mentioned factors and the styles are implemented accordingly, the increase in inclination towards leadership effectiveness can be assured.

Visionary Leadership

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet- Theodore M. Hesburgh
The leadership model applied in the firms and multinational companies focus on the visionary aspect of the leadership. Having a clearly defined vision is imperative for a leader, or else it would be like he is rowing in the sea to aimlessly, totally at the mercy of waves to decide his destination.

Visionary leadership is a step towards a promising success for, visionary leaders entirely focuses their energies on the goal and, aim at bringing out the best in the individuals by concentrating more on opportunities rather than confining obstacles. He takes initiatives, suggest solutions, take timely decisions and implement it with help of rightly guided subordinates to turn the obstacles in to opportunities.
Sense Of Ownership
Visionary leadership can only be attained if a leader feels like being owner of the authorities given to him. Only when he feels it deep from the heart and exercise his authorities, he will be more likely to appear as a visionary leader by sharing his vision with followers. The idealism of the vision can be changed in to realism only when the leader shares his vision with the delegates and empower them by giving them their due authority and responsibility.
Source Of Inspiration
Visionary leaderships is rewarding and demanding at the time. You have to stand up passionately for your decisions and face the criticism optimistically and whole heartedly. Moreover, you have to bear the brunt of any mishap or any action on the part of subordinate. This is to manifest the true commitment from deep inside down, through words as well as actions; this strong, unbeatable commitment would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the subordinates. This very source of inspiration and motivation will engulf the subordinates and leaders, infusing in them a spiritual inclination towards hard work, which would bring the best out of them.
Good Communication Skills
Comprehensible and good communication skills are crucial to be attained to exercise the leadership of vision. The visionary leader has to appear black, rather than gray, in the midst of white crowds; and only when he is able to communicate articulately, convey his vision fluently and enthusiastically, he would appear as an effective leader. This skill is essential to gain support in the organization as well as among the peers and, also to have an influence on others. All the same, in visionary leadership, the leader has to appear as more friendly leader rather than bossy, classic leader.
Favorable Working Environment
Visionary leaders have to frame the working aura in such a way that subordinates feel like doing creative and rewarding work. It can be done so by keeping them involved in the work and by allowing them to come up with creative ideas and productive decisions. They dedication of the subordinates should be appreciated so that they can believe on their superb potential. Encourage them to share their problems and what improvements they want in work. When such shared leadership would be practiced, the subordinates would be able to understand the vision and his expectations, enabling them to mould their efforts in such a way to attain breakthroughs in the work environment.
Such a clear vision, mutual understanding and strong relationship is the essence of all the organizations and only visionary leadership could pave the way to success of such organizations.

Characteristics Of Transformational Leadership Traits-A Way To Promising Success!!

Defining leadership, we can say that it is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals, which is made possible through conducive environment, mutual understanding and effective communication; allowing the clear insight of vision and the steps to attain it, to the followers .
To have a successful leadership is quintessential in today’s era, to tackle effectively the cloud of adversities hovering over one head. Every niche on this planet is hunting for an effective leadership, be it a prospering organization or an illustrious school, a cornered kiosk or a grooming saloon, an agency or government institutions or simply a four-walled, comfy home; an ideal leadership is the imperative necessity of all.
The unending demand of creative leadership leads too many questions in one’s mind as what are the traits one should possess to come up as an authentic leader.In fact, authentic leadership is nothing, merely being a set of qualities that makes a person prominent in the sea of ordinarily-skilled people. However, these traits can be nurtured too.

Vision
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. - Theodore Hesburgh
As the quote implies, first and foremost quality of thriving leadership is the leadership vision. Visionary leadership has a clear map of where to go. The visionary leader possess the ability to make concrete assessment of tomorrow and have the clear cut imaginative ideas to lead an organization or a team to an alluring accomplishment.

Judgment
Being able to analyze the fact and theories effectively and making apt decisions on these bases is quintessential for successful and effective leadership. The leadership where facts can not be weighed properly and alternatives and decisions are not taken correctly, the success is highly uncertain. It requires the critical analysis of data, keeping in view the problems and solutions and then making confident decisions, no matter how uncertain the situation is.

Decisiveness

The ability to make swift decision, after critical analysis and careful judgment of the facts, figures is what the true demand of time. The prompt but correct decisions of leader are what shape the destiny of an organization and of people associated with it. Hence, it is indispensable to come up with logical decision even in highly unfavorable aura so that hopes and aspirations of people are not shattered.

Good-communicator
Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves. - Stephen Covey
The best of leadership trait is having the good communication skills for influential leadership. More articulately and more fluently a leader is able to communicate his ideas and vision, more properly it would be achieved by followers. Good communication skills boost up mutual understanding between the followers and leader, who in turn work confidently in the most appropriate manner, to attain the desired goal.

Initiator
Once the decision is taken, even if it be welcomed with criticism, the duty of leaders is to take initiative towards it designed policy to make it apparent that you are confident of your decision that would eventually bear fruits. It will be helpful in instilling trust and confidence in followers, who make then collective effort to attain it.

Unselfishness
A true leadership trait to be possessed by all is the unselfishness i.e. giving priority to the work before concerning for self. It’ll be inspiring and motivating for the followers who will then do the same by being loyal and fully committed to the work, leading to a promised success.

Loyalty
Being loyal and fully committed to the work is what the initial demand of success. The leadership, if is loyal and honest to the company, the followers will then be loyal too. If the leader is able to inspire this uncanny loyalty in his followers, the immense collective commitment can be expected from all.

Disciplined
Deeply disciplined actions and thoughts are hall marks in the wide array of “best leadership qualities.” A disciplined leader ensures the correct prioritization of the tasks and remains adhered to the vision and mission of the organization, along with the organized involvement of team, so as to bring out the best. Its helps them to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a systematic way, within the entrusted time frame, with least possible distraction.

Self-confidence
A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune. - Anon
Self-confidence, a key to successful leadership. It’s about having faith on your abilities and judgments, in spite of confining and piercing criticism. This invincible leadership characteristic allows the person to stick to the decision and be optimistic in dealing with all the hurdles that come in his way. All this can be achieved through leadership vision and setting smaller goals to let yourself trust on your abilities and becoming firm on your decision gradually. This will ensures the personal development of a person, too.

Integrity
Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. Harold Geneen

Leader must possess integrity that is being honest and truthful in character and actions so that followers could trust him and follow him. As long as his actions reflect his words, followers will put complete trust on his policies and will be all the time willing whole heartedly to give the best. Followers will approach him all the time for, they trust on him.

Perseverance

It demands the leader to put all its time and energy on the set goals to ensure the promising achievements. This leadership skill sets as an inspiration for the followers, who on visualizing the dedication and sincerity on the part of leader; feel motivated to give to the fullest, which results in the better and timely attainment of the assigned targets.

Magnanimity
Magnanimity allows the leader to give the followers their due credit. A successful leadership truly acknowledges the crucial part played by followers and gives them their due reward, so as to ensure the consistency on their part. It also demands the leader to be the sole absorbent of failures and discouraging remarks, preventing any remote hint of it to the followers, for the optimism to diffuse itself all over the team thus, ensuring the lasting triumph. It does not imply that you keep the followers in dark, regarding the hard truths, but you convey them in an optimistic way so that their performance is least affected.

Openness
Being open to the criticism, new ideas and feedback is exceptionally essential for the collective development of leadership and followers. It will ensure the influx of challenging and new ideas that will nourish their vision more finely, making the goal more interesting and fascinating to be achieved. It will also result in the personal development of the followers and leaders.Moreover, being open to the feedback by follower would allow the mutual understanding to boost between leader and follower and will remove any existing misunderstandings.

Endurance

Gradually when you are acknowledged as an effective leader, the more you are burdened with challenging tasks and confronting criticism. At this crucial time, the perseverance and patience is highly important leadership trait. The leader must possess mental and physical stamina to endure the gloomy aura, so as to be welcomed by warm, bright success. It can be done well by focusing solely on your goal and being firmly confident of what you do.

Courage
Ability to accept constructive criticism is the hallmark of leadership trait. As long as the leader take the criticism with good heart and drive better results from it, the leader can ensure the success by driving and implementing different ideas from the criticism.

Justice
One of the indispensable leadership characteristic is being impartial and consistent in decisions and dealings. He must listen to everyone’s voice with equal importance and then jump to conclusions, considering the facts, without even the tinge of unfairness and favoritism.when the followers perceive that they are treated fairly and are given their due rights, they would be more loyal and committed to the organization and the leader.
The people who possess the useful amalgamation of these entire leadership traits would eventually be prominent in the midst of ordinary crowds and will guide the destination of many towards eternal success since, all the leadership challenges and hurdles could easily be tackled by such a leader and his vision is based on the collective good for all!!

Characteristics Of Transformational Leadership

Changing times are demanding different approaches to make the best of the available opportunity. The current world scenario, its political and economic environment, all demanding unique skills and perspectives to be dealt effectively. At such a high time when the problems are as diverse as possibly could be and, solutions even more varying widely, only a “transformational leader,” possessing the best of the leadership skills, could successfully tackle the problems.
The best definition of transformational leadership is best explained by Burns (1978) “it recognizes and exploits the existing need or demand of a potential follower....and looks for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher need and engages the full person of the follower(cited in Changing Minds.org.n.d).”
The transformational leader is of great importance as it possesses these fundamental qualities to build the strong edifice of future success.
Good Communication Skills
A transformational leader motivates the follower to achieve more then what is expected. They are the inspiring, motivational source for the subordinates as they with the good, comprehensible communication skills explains their vision in the most articulate and compelling way. They elucidate the vision and mission of their organization and, by explaining the route of their strategies; they picture where there organization would stand in the next few years.
Motivational Source
Transformational leaders are an immense source of support and motivation to the leaders as they offer the opportunity to acquire or polish the skills by training them and teaching them, several projects and seminars, group discussions are organized, all intended with the purpose to provide them with the expert knowledge and the expertise. These leaders groom their subordinates, making them into skillful, creative person.
The leader visualizes the possible outcome of the planned strategy, enabling the subordinate to work harder as they know that there extra efforts are appreciated and would lead to success of the individual and team as whole.
Source Of Trust
One of the outstanding qualities of the transformational leader is that he enables the followers to look beyond their capabilities by inspiring confidence in them and making them believe in the positive aspects of their personality.
This is highly important for it allows the employees to muster their energies and give to the fullest for they believe that they would be eventually successful.
Leading To A Difference
The transformational leader believes on the beauty of upcoming new and creative ideas, leading to the individualism and uniqueness in the overall tasks.
Transformational leader inspires his subordinates to have creative ideas by engaging them effectively in work. It willingly welcomes the suggestions of the employees and integrates it with the planned strategy so as to have the maximum output and the long lasting interest of the subordinates.
Transformational leader encourages his subordinates to reach out to their goal by their innovative thinking and productive implementation, followed by supportive advises of the leader.
All this leads to the drastic difference in the overall task and, these diverse outcomes best caters the interests and goals of the diverse team members.
Transformational leadership is all about transforming, the dire need in today’s changing world, to keep the interest and to unveil the best artistic and creative thoughts, hidden inside the diverse individual, waitng to exposed!

Balancing The Power For Successful leadership

Leadership is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals. It is the ability to motivate and inspire others to attain the organized goals.
Power is the authority to influence the decisions, plans and strategies and the attitude of others.
There lies the deep relationship between the leadership as no leader is leader in true sense if is not granted with the degree of authorities and, power, in its essence, is useless if the power to lead is missing. Therefore, the importance of leadership is in line with the powers granted.
The phenomenon of “power” is as widely diverse as the concept of “leadership,” therefore; the leader has to be extraordinarily careful while exercising this tool.
Depending on the situational factors, the leadership style varies and, so does the use of powers is influenced. The effective leader uses the selected powers at right time for powerful and fine influence on the target for the reaction varies with the ranging behavior of the subordinates.
For example, if the leader uses his power to affect the attitude or the decision, taken jointly by the subordinates, the response to this power is diverse, depending on the commitment of the subordinates. For the followers who are too committed and trust on the leader, they would put their best and would work enthusiastically; while the one who are passive and reluctant would not welcome the decision and would put forward the minimum on their part. Employees who do not like the leader would show utter reluctance and would not fulfill the task assigned to them.
The subordinates’ behavior is the ultimate result of the nature of the power, if the employee explain the task well, supported with the experts’ ideas and suggestions and logical reasoning, along with the benefits springing up for the individual as well as organization, the hearts of even the lethargic subordinates could be turned towards the beauty of hardworking.
The use of compulsive power will not pave the way to success. The compulsive power is to be used when the time does not allow the too much discussion or the subordinates do not possess the apt knowledge. However, the use of it stretches to a limit or else it will explode the foundation of commitment and enthusiasm by the followers in no time.
Power alone would not be sufficient unless the leader possess the skills to make the utmost of it. Leader has to be vigilant and careful as the “power” accompanies with itself the responsibility, the authority and the accountability for attaining the desired results? If only these three things are met properly, the benefiting fruits could be expected and the leader can be quoted as the “effective leader.”

Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

The research has clarified the fact that any of the leadership style can not be effective solely if the situation is not kept in view before the particular style is decided and implemented.
New findings and theories have began to unveil a whole new leadership theory, came to be popularly known as “path-goal” theory. This leadership theory is explained on the basis of situation and other related factors.

The path-goal theory suggests that the leaders can only have a successful leadership if they support the subordinates towards a specific goal by assigning them a clear, creative path. They can do so by explaining them clearly and articulately about their vision, making them aware of the upcoming obstacles and at the same time, revealing them the way of how to stand up amidst of curbing crisis. A series of rewards, explanation of mistakes and encouragement will make the leadership effective-the ultimate purpose of this theory.
This theory explains the effectiveness of leadership in terms of impact of leader on subordinates. Robert House, the American psychologist, who suggested this theory, says that leaders are successful as long as they have immense leadership influence on the subordinates, who acts as a source of motivation to their followers. In other words, the true leader inspires the goals and dreams and allow them turn their idealism in to realism by showing them the required path.
This theory highlights the amalgamated version of all the leadership styles. The theory demands the leader to have a right balance between his authority and his friendliness with the subordinates. He neither have to be too authoritative that the subordinates hesitate in expressing their creative ideas and critical thoughts nor have to be too friendly that the divider between the leader and subordinates reduce to transparency, and subordinates start exercising their freedom in the negative way.
This modern theory of leadership permits a wide space for participative leadership as the subordinates are totally involve in decision-making process and their suggestions are sought and given their due credit. In the path-goal theory of leadership, the challenging goals are set for subordinates and, the leaders show them the way to attain it.Additionally, they are given free hand to implement their creative ideas for the best accomplishment of goals. Leaders show their confidence by entrusting them with the complete authority on the allocated task.
Since, the theory is totally situation oriented; the leader has to be extra careful in the analysis of the task and other factors before defining the path to the subordinates. For example, at the time when the task is not clear to the subordinates or the path appears as vague or distorted to them, guidance and suggestions by the leader would be willingly welcomed by the subordinates. However, when the things are well-defined and outlined to the subordinates and the followers are quite confident of their efforts, the redundant regulations would be taken by them as over controlling their skills and potential.
This variance in approach is dependent on the clarity of the situation, abilities of the subordinates and their motivation and, on the depth of task. The more complicated the task is and the less comprehensible the paths are, the increase supportive suggestions by the leader would be genuinely entertained.
This theory demands the leader to maintain a firm checks on his behavior and the body language as the actions speak louder than the words. He as to appear as a source of motivation, inspiration, trust and confidence. The actions should speak the depth of his commitment and the passion for the task and the affection for followers. The behavior should infuse the feeling of satisfaction in the working aura.
The key to have effective leader, based on the path-goal leadership theory, is to mark the paths to the goals. This can be well done by identifying the key tasks to the subordinates, explaining the nature of complicated hurdles and, describing the way to smooth away the obstacles in to terrific success.
The path-goal theory can promise the successful leadership as long as the situation, motivation and the inclination of the followers towards the task is kept in view. The more the related factors are considered and the appropriate the decisions are made, along with the full-fledged implementation of the opted strategy, the more the effective leadership would be and, the chances of the success would become certain.

Developing the Effective Team Work For Successful Leadership

The vehicle of accomplishment is fueled by teamwork.
Leadership brings with itself an array of responsibilities which have to be fulfilled so as to come up as the authentic leader amidst the unexpected cropping up of challenges. Every aspect of the leadership, be it from the managing point of view, communication skills, time management, critical thinking or the development of team; each niche is important to its core and desire the undivided attention.
Team development is exceptionally important for there is the illustrious adage “collective we make a difference.”

Here are some tips to be worked on for the successful and desired building of the team.
Increased Communication

Assign the group activities that demand the intense and effective communication. Field work should also be the part of it since more time they spent together, they better they would understand each other and comprehensible communication would bind them in the strong ties.
Utilizing The Diversities
The more the person possess the diverse experience, the better his skills and character are carved. Every organization possesses the diverse work force to address the diversity in customers.
The leader must divide them in the groups where each group possesses the persons from the varying background.The activities should be assigned that ensures the maximum interaction and demands them to understand and learn to tolerate and appreciate the differences.
When their inclination would shift from concentrating on the differences to appreciating the similarities, the bond would be stronger and a cooperative one.
Debriefing Experience
Teamwork does involve the efforts of each individual and, therefore each individual should be made responsible for his experience.
The feeling of they being accountable could only be aroused optimistically if they are asked to debrief about their experience of the assigned task. This would not only be an alternative source of being accountable, the benefiting point up springing is that the leader would be able to read the psyche of the individual and would assign the task accordingly in the future.
Moreover, the team mates would also be able to comprehend others’ thinking and ideas, fostering a true sense of collaboration between them.
Celebrating Success
The last but not the least key for the effective team work is to celebrate the success. The subordinates must be rewarded for their thinking and their critical, creative ideas.The acknowledgment of their hard work would spur them for exceptional ideas and encourage more innovative thinking.
These essential strategies have to be undertaken to muster up to the best from the team for if the good work is being produced by the individuals, the success of the individual, team and organization can be well assured.

Leadership Theories

Research has unveiled the many different aspects of the increasingly applicable and popular phenomenon-Leadership.The leadership styles, traits and theories, all are the result of the variety of analysis and different experiences.
The leadership theories are the result of such great effort. There lie the diversities of theories, depending on the varying situation and circumstances; the three most distinct are the trait theory, behavioral theory and contingency theory.
Trait Theory Of Leadership
Trait theory is derived from the “Great Man” theory and, it is based on the characteristics of people. It gives the impression that the effectiveness of leadership depends on the individual’s leadership characteristics. It deals with the personality, character and skills of the leaders.
Studies has shown that the effective leadership is deeply connected to the mental alertness of the leader, communication skills, confidence, thinking, time management and the persistence in his actions and plans.The more visionary the leader, the higher the probability is of success. The theory also emphasizes on the responsible behavior of the leader.
However, the trait theory is not universally applicable for the recent studies have unveiled the weak link between the leadership traits and the effective leadership. Moreover, the more advanced research are conducted, the different traits crop up. There can not be made the clear cut line of what traits a leader should acquire.
Also, the statistics reveal that the effective leader of the history did not possess all those traits and skills. It can be said that the choice of traits and skills to be exercised varies with the situation but, this theory does not outline these traits.
Based on this theory, it is concluded that leadership is the in born capability rather than the acquired one.
The leadership traits long with some necessary skills if applied well, keeping in view the situation leads to the overall success. Overall, there needs to be balanced approach in applying those possessed skills.
Behavioral Theory Of Leadership
Behavioral theory of leadership deals with the behavior of the leaders towards its subordinates.The autocratic leadership style, the democratic style, the employee-centered style etc; all are based on this leadership theory.
This theory focuses on the actions of the leaders rather than mental capabilities of the leader or their general traits. This theory creates the impression that the leadership is “learning” process. It leads to the idea of the “leadership Development” process.
This theory is universal for it highlights the behavior to be adopted subjected to different challenging situations and, the success factor can be well analyzed and can be polished for greater outcome.
Contingency Theory Of Leadership
The trait theory and the behavioral theory have not catered best to the diversified needs of the today’s fast-pace developing world as the time proved that the effective leadership does not only rely on the personality traits and behavior on an individual, the surrounding situation matters too. This evolved the contingency theory of leadership which concludes that the leadership styles to be adopted, differs with varying situations.
The leaders can not exercise the particular traits or behavior when dealing with all the situations, there needs to be change in the approach and the behavior based on the situations for an effective leadership. The situational variables include the extent of power granted to the leader; the nature of task, i.e. whether the goals are well explained or distorted and, the relationship between the leader and the followers.
Based on this theory, these situational factors are analyzed. If the power to be exercised by the leader is greater and the relationship between the followers and the leader consists of mutual understanding and good communication and the goal is clearly outlined, the democratic style is to be preferred. If there lays the contrary situation, the theory advises the leader to adopt the autocratic style.
However, if the situation is overall favorable with one missing element i.e. the authority to be exercised by the leader ranges widely and the communication between the followers and the leader is appreciable, too; and the goal is not well defined, then the employee-centered style is generally preferred, which focuses on the human relationships to attaining the task.

Body Language Does Matter In Leadership!

Body language is the fire of today’s discussion irrespective of the job, status and the age. The psychologists suggest that body languages communicate more than your verbal language there by proving the adage; actions speak louder than words, true.
Indeed, the body language communication is detrimental to the success of the individual and the team as, the fundamental elements of triumph such as inspiration, motivation and dedication can be deeply cultivated in the followers through the positive body movements. The use of space around, the gestures, the facial expression, all should infuse the feeling of warmth, motivation and confidence in the individuals. Therefore, it is imperative for the leader to design the movements thoughtfully as any mistake can explode the basis of victory within no time!
The extra usage of the body movements like smiling, moving here and there and constantly dressing your outfit; all these actions distracts the attention of the team mates and drift them away from the exact motive of the discussion. A lot of movement shows that you are a nervous man.
Moreover, the extra smiling faces are taken less seriously by the followers, too. However, smiling face at appropriate time infuse the aura of warmth and confidence.
The eye movements are of immense importance in coaching and guiding the team mates.firstly; do not focus your attention and eye movements on few selected people. This would demotivate the others and would not inspire them to give their best. Consequently, the team would lose the individualism and creativity in their task as those ignored faces would never come up with the ideas that would unleash their talent.
Secondly, when listening to an individual suggestion or query, maintain a firm eye contact for, it leaves the impression to the follower that he is equally important for the designated task and his efforts and ideas would influence the yield greatly. Feeling of being respected and valued would engulf the very existence of him and he would be more committed to his work.
The mouth and lip movements indicate let others read your mind. Twisting and turning of lips and turning the lips to one side suggest that you are either too confused or you are thinking some thing else and saying other thing, all leaving an impression that their something to be kept hidden.
Standing tall, with shoulders kept high and relaxed boost up the morale and confidence of the followers as these are the signs of leader being confident and positive.
Don’t have the gesture of being low and droopy if you are tired for it is interpreted by the follower as if you are disinterested in the task.
Just do not go on with the abrupt decisions or do not let the tinge of sadness or tension mask your face for it loses your confidence and the feeling of trust that followers have on you would evaporate in to nothingness.
Touch is more powerful means of communication. It bridges the gulf and cultivates stronger and lasting relationships. The leaders must shake firmly with all team workers at the end of meeting and must pat them for their good work. It inculcates the feeling of being more connected and the followers would be more comfortable with him. This superb feeling of comfort would allow them to come up with the best of their work.
The leaning forward in the meeting towards the followers leaves one to think as that the task has to be done as soon as possible. The hastiness then swept the very nook of the decisions and followers then act on their thoughts without giving a second glance.
In open discussions session, the hands in pocket, clenched fist, clenching an object firmly or a foot at back conveys closed nonverbal signals, giving an impression that you are uncertain of your actions, resulting in a feeling of disinterest and lack of trust among the subordinates. The contrary actions then suggest that you are too sure of your abilities and have nothing to be kept secret from the followers.
Do not cross your hands or have crossed legs in a meeting for it implies that you are confused in the wild jigsaw of the task and, therefore are too uncertain. It makes others feel that you are not open to others opinion or ideas, too. The best gesture of hands and arms is to keep aside which unveils your confidence on your abilities.
As a leader you are always communicating through verbal and non-verbal communication and, both types of communication means a lot when it comes to have an effective, influential leadership. Your body language reflects your thinking, your strength of words, and your character and last but not the least your influence and success hence; it is of great importance to keep a firm look on it to steer out of this phase of test as a conquering leader.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Great Transformational Leaders Of The Time

History has produced various dynamic transformational leaders that have changed the course of the history and gave human being an undeniable exemplary leadership lessons. The great leaders transformed the ideals of the people into the realities by having an attainable yet, transformed vision, in harmony with the demands of the people and adopted the diverse strategies to accomplish the organized goal.
Transformational Leadership, as defined by Burns (1978) is “it recognizes and exploits the existing need or demand of a potential follower....and looks for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher need and engages the full person of the follower(cited in Changing Minds.org.n.d).”
Burns has further classified the transformational leaders in to four major categories i.e.charismatic, revolutionaries, reformers and intellectuals based on varying characteristics but over all the impact are to influence and transform the strategies and plans to get beyond what the situation possibly appears to give.
According to burns, Charismatic Leaders are the one who inspire and motivate others through their heroic alluring acts; The Intellectual Leader is a person with a vision that can transform society by raising social consciousness; Revolutionary Leaders bring complete and pervasive transformation of an entire social system and, the Reformer Leaders transform parts of society to realize moral principles.
Charismatic leaders
• Muhammad (PBUH) As A Transformational Leader
Muhammad (PBUH) is the great transformational leader for all time to come. He with his character and manners steered the ill nation of the Arabia out of the darkness and showed them the path full of promised success, peace and love.
He gave humanity a moral set of conduct and the laws in all the aspect of life. From eating to drinking, from dressing to traveling, from behavior at home to behavior in dealings and with the neighbors, friends and relatives, from state laws to foreign policy and rules in war in peace; in short he, through his actions, he presented himself as a perfect model in moral, spiritual, economics, political and social areas of life. He transformed the whole humanity for all times to come through his exemplary teachings and actions.
http://makkah.wordpress.com/leadership-and-islam/
Revolutionary Leader
• Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King is the illustrious revolutionary transformational leader as he brought the revolution in the social life of America through his words and actions.the equal civil rights for all irrespective of the acts creed and was the aim of this eminent leader and his efforts bore fruit when for the first time the Afro-American President “Barack Obama” was elected as the 44th president of United States Of America.
His famous speech “I have a Dream” has taken as the way to transforming the society. It shows just what kind of leader he was; a man who was very effective at what he did. He transformed the thoughts of the masses and kindled the light of universal equality on the land of “world Super Power.”
http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/AboutJonestown/JonestownReport/Volume10/Parrish.htm
Reformers
• Alexander The Great

Alexander the young, invincible leader had the simple yet intriguing vision to win and rule the vast world. This leads to the commencement of many conquests. It includes the battle of Persia (now known as Iran), the most successful heroic tale in history. Alexander led the army of t35, 000 soldiers and confronted the deadly weapons of Persians, resulting in the lasting triumph. His victory opened the way to many Asian countries for him. He continued his quest and marched along the coast of Syria, then d to Phoenicia in south and captured Tyre. Further, captured Gaza in just three months. Alexander then captured Egypt, which was ruled by Persian ruler King Darius.
He continued the conquests to satisfy his thirst of ruling the world and, brought the whole world under his strong, dynamic control.
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-24-2004-62075.asp
Intellectuals
• Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy Bentham had been the renowned intellectual leader of the Europe as he waged war for the true social and legal laws irrespective of status quo. Bentham's life work was the advocacy of a clear, coherent, humane, and simplified legal system. He put constant stress to the undeniable fact that the purpose of the law is to bring everyone to their justified end by rewarding and punishing them for their actions.His all efforts revolve around the famous phrase by Hutcheson "the happiness of the greatest number."
http://www.historyhome.co.uk/people/bentham.htm
These famous and worth-praising leaders are the examples for today’s generation, each exposing the real sense and meaning of life and, motivating the individuals to attain their visualized life by living for their dreams.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Focusing On the Leadership challenges


We aim above the mark to hit the mark- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The complex demanding world is constantly under the damning circumstances and dire threats. To cope up with the stemming problems effectively, an influential leadership is in the list of “most wanted.” However, the influential and successful leadership is only the result of overcoming the upcoming challenges aptly. The challenges of the leadership are deep rooted and diverse and only a very multi-skilled, intellectual person is the only ray of hope in this bleaking, sweeping darkness.
The article brings in to lame light the forthcoming leadership challenges.
Developing The Futures Of Tomorrow
The most imperative challenge an authentic leader faces is carving the future of tomorrow. In fact, it is the guarantee of being a successful leader as only those leaders are remembered in the history that produces the good leaders.
The effective leadership transfers its outstanding qualities in the subordinates in order to evolve the leader who can lead the organization tomorrow. The best way to fulfill this greatest responsibility is by being example of those traits i.e. it have integrity in his actions. He must have good communication skills and must mean its words, too.
Over Reliance On Leaders
The leaders are entitled with the responsibility to guide the masses and be the source of hope and inspiration in the stony, curved path. They are not the one to do the tasks all the times. However many subordinates rely for all their activities on the leaders and make them responsible for all their actions. The fact is that they, subordinates, are unwilling to carry the responsibility.
This irresponsible and underestimated behavior of the followers is a great obstacle in the way of an effective leadership as a leader is unable to focus their attention and energies in carving the best path to the designed goal. However, this challenge can be best tackled by entrusting the followers with some tasks and making them accountable for their actions.
Another way is to divide the subordinates in different teams and then distributing the task among the teams, there must be the leader for the respective teams too. This would carve the bets leadership capabilities in them and would instill the feeling of responsibility.
High And Unreasonable Expectations
A leader may not always be the boss of the entire organization. The person who is given a power to guide even “three” people is a leader too. In these circumstances, there are always some faces who expect some worthy output from him that is neither possible nor reasonable.
Due to these exaggerated expectations, the chances of disappointments increase. The individual is then all the time under pressure and does not feel like being free, leading to the bottled imagination and low creativity.
Making The Real Changes
One of the real challenges that most leaders come across is the step to replace the outdated, close-minded policies with the new one. It is a real challenge and requires true effort as it involves the transformation of the people’s minds.
It demands to put off all the old strategies and policies and introduce the new dimensions and strategies that best cater the diverse needs of today and ensures the brighter future. Moreover, it is in the harmony with the expectations of the followers and of one and all.
All this seems to be quite tough but can be successfully done by keeping the essence of the vision and mission of the organization the same and, then displaying it from diverse point of view to the people around so as to have flexibility in their thinking and approach. The more diverse the approach is, the better the challenge can be overcome and the maximum the result would.
Requires To Be Too Responsible
Leadership is rewarding as well as demanding job, too. Not all leaders are effective leaders for; it requires high effort to be responsible for all the planned actions and its consequences. It has to adapt effectively to the changing situations all the time. Therefore, a leader has to be extraordinarily careful in making a strategy as a single mistake will explode the very basis of success with in no time.
Avoid Being to Bossy
Leader of today has to face the greater challenge as the today’s generation can not tolerate the dictation any more. The harshness of the reality that subordinates are not being heard and their voice is not responded well, engulfs the very existence of them with in no second, hampering their creativity and leads to low commitment by followers.
Leaders have to realize that whatever decision they make, it should be finalized after the full participation and willingness of the followers or else the planned strategy, solely decided by the leader, will not produce the expected results, resulting in damning doom of the organization as a whole.
Conclusion
Leadership is rewarding as well as challenging, too. If the challenges are well identified and are responded well, the thorny obstacles would smooth away in no time, opening a road full of promising accomplishments, unveiling an authentic leader from you!

Effective Leadership

The thorough research on this important phenomenon of effective leadership has resulted in the upsurge of many leadership theories, styles and skills, each guaranteeing the terrific accomplishment of tasks; however, the studies has also reveled that the pursuance of any particular leadership style or theory or having some leadership skills are not enough for this worthy and outstanding job and, a lot more has to be considered and done for the effective leadership.
Each individual is unique and therefore, each leader is unique in its own way. Consequently, each individual has to adopt a distinctive amalgamated form of styles and skills in order to rise as matchless leader in extensively diverse pool.

There are some qualities that form the basis of the effective leadership and so, should be possessed by all.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the universal trait of today’s leader. He has to be flexible in his attitude, behavior and approaches. He must be flexible in the leadership powers, too. The effective leadership stems from the adaptation of leadership style on the basis of the capabilities of the followers and the situation. When the little knowledge is possessed by the subordinates, he must be the sole decision-maker and should guide them at all the steps. He can have shared leadership when the followers have much knowledge about the task and could be relied.
These balances in the styles and attitude determine the leadership influence on the juniors and this very impact of leader judges the victory of the organization or team.
Fully Acknowledged
Being active and fully acknowledging the responsibilities and authorities is an essential trait for a successful leadership. Only when one knows the leadership strengths and the area where he can exercise his authority, the correct goals can be set and visions can be carved ideally and properly.
Creating A Favorable Environment
The leadership can only be fruitful and can have underlying impacts if the favorable working atmosphere is built up, which clearly lights up the goals and the future career of the individual. The resources and the machinery and other input factors should be available for the maximum use. This would create a comfortable and helpful working environment for the followers.
Consultancy With Subordinates
Consulting should be done with all the members while setting the goals.Furthermore; the win-win attitude should only dominate the thoughts of all. This would lead to the mutual consensus that would only promise the unending triumph.
Additionally, the suggestions and ideas of the budding minds should be given their due importance as today’s young generation want their voice to be shared no matter how much distorted the vision is. Moreover, the weekly discussions on the imperative topics, having an immense influence on the individual and organization as whole should be discussed. The crucial decisions, affecting the lives and the future of the followers, should be taken by taking them in to utmost assurance.
Discussion On Work Related Problems
The work related problems should be discusses weekly and the individuals should be encouraged to come up with the critically logical solutions to the challenging problems. They must be rewarded and spurred for their contributions and should be given annual or bi-annual awards and certificates of excellence.
All the same, the important aspect of successful leadership is that leader pay a genuine heed to the problems and grievances of the subordinates. Keenness in the general welfare of the followers and helping them coping the problems would establish an unexplainable closer link between the followers’ and the leaders.
Only when the juniors feel that they are heard and responded and, their life and presence are precious to the leader, they feel like being closer to their leader. This association would ultimately convince them to live up to the expectations of their leader by giving their best.
Time Management
The time management and adhering to the deadlines can pledge the effective leadership, too. The leaders must ensure that at every time the progress in the task should be made to avoid the swift working at the eleventh hour. This leadership skill is vital for the very of survival of leadership.
On the whole, the effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. It is the source of motivation and inspiration for the subordinates. The effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. The individual feels like being more productive with the every sunset, and more capable and strong with the every sun rise. The impact of the effective leadership is so deep that the radiant light engulfs the very nook of darkness of the life of the subordinates, and illuminates the way of success!

Do Remember 3 D’s And 3 P’s For Effective Leadership

Leadership is whether a natural or an artificial trait-the discussion is still the burning question of today’s fast pacing world but the research has supported the fact that through adaptation of certain traits and applying skills, we can unveil the leadership qualities hidden inside us and can carve it to the finest possible angle.
Here is “3 D’s And 3 P’s” suggestion that one must adopt along with the necessary traits and characteristics to come up as the distinct leader in the diverse mass.
Determination
The determination to attain the assigned goal in the best possible way is the key requirement to come up as the successful leader. The leader’s attitude affects the behavior of the subordinates and the over all attitudes are quite important for the highest possible production. Commitment and dedication of the authentic leader would be the source of inspiration for the subordinates, enabling the leader to make the best use of their potential.
Discipline
The disciplined thoughts and actions are immensely imperative once you are determined to achieve the organized goal. Only if the thoughts and the efforts are well disciplined and channeled in the most appropriate way, the effectiveness of the decision can be truly guaranteed.
Direction
If the requirement of two D’s is rightly fulfilled, the third “D” of direction can be applied. Once the determination engulfs the very existence of the effective leader and the team and, they have disciplined their actions, the right direction is then the ultimate direction, leading the individual and the leader to the promising horizon of success.
Peace
These 3 D’s concept the fills the atmosphere with the pure feeling of peace, allowing the leader and subordinate to work and concentrate well. The distractions and hastiness are obstacles in the path of success but this very feeling of “peace” originated from the 3 D’s strategy permits you to use the best of your energy to the fullest.
Protection
The precious feeling of peace allows you to experience the thrills of you being protective. Protection is the most important to muster up the energy and the potential of the followers. Only when the subordinates realize that their wealth, life and family are being protected, they would be free from the piercing tensions of life, making it possible from them to give their full attention to the worthy task.
Prosperity
The demanding and well–interlinked chain of determination, discipline, dedication, peace and protection ends at the strong ring of prosperity. Once the efforts and thoughts are well integrated with the vision, the expected success linger in the aura and, with the effective utilization of the valuable human resource, the anticipated triumph becomes the blissful reality, allowing one to experience the lasting impression of prosperity.
The simple but efficient formula of 3 D’s and 3 P’s would allow the leader to come up as the black and white amidst the masses of gray as an authentic, successful leader!

Developing Leadership Skills In Others-The True Example Of The Effective Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. - John Quincy Adams
Ever since the life established on this beautiful planet, millions of authentic leaders have been exported by nature to this planet, who with their sincere, devoted efforts, endeavored to transform this planet into a heaven.
Since then the concept of leadership has evolved and by this time, this phenomenon has become increasingly important as it is the first and foremost necessity to attain success.
The leaders are many but authentic leaders are those written who transform another leader from his subordinates, thus leaving their undeniable impression for all times to come.
How the leader could ensure the upcoming of another effective leader from his subordinates and what strategies he could apply for this long lasting achievement; this article elucidates some easy steps to attain this success.
Coaching And Mentoring
The leader could inculcate the leadership skills by coaching them to head a small team. The leader must divide the whole team in small groups and assign each of them a sub-task .A team Leader should be appointed in that group, who would be responsible for all the activities of his followers and would be accountable for their actions, too.
A firm check should be maintained by the main leader that is the leader of all groups, who check their activities and guide them accordingly.
Establishing A Learning Climate
Few hours in a week should be assigned to the discussion and learning period where the main leader explains the beauty of the skills of effective leadership and also guide them to the road map of achieving them.
The subordinates should be encouraged to come up with queries and suggestions for the fine polishing of leadership qualities. Also, the sharing of experience will unveil the many important ways of achieving the successful leadership.
Guiding Reflections
The hand outs should be issued, unveiling the characteristics of the world’s great leaders, containing their life history. The reflections of their lives would be helpful in learning how they transferred their leadership skills to subordinates. Moreover, their great leadership attributes would come into light, allowing many to learn great lessons from it.
Appraising Performance
This is an important step on the part of the main leader. He must acknowledge the efforts of the sub-leaders in order to further encourage them. Additionally; he must spur the creative thinking of theirs that has made the goal easier and worth-achieving. The more the sub-leaders are supported for their skills and for their steps, taken independently, the more they will trust on their abilities and, each task would unveil the new, creative and critical ideas from them and would allow their personal development.
This critical and creative thinking is immensely indispensable to be developed in others so as to carve the best leader out of them.
Preparing Others for Changes And Challenges
The successful leaders realize the time when they have to be flexible or have to tighten their attitude. The quality is exceptionally important to be infused in the team leaders too for the effective leadership are all about the right decision at right time.
The leader could inculcate this important skill by subjecting them to tough tasks with strict deadlines and, at the same time demands the critical thinking. The facts, figures and the outline of the task should be provided, the rest should be analyzed by the sub-leaders, critical analysis of the facts and the designing of the strategy should solely be done by the sub-leaders.
Every time the new yet challenging task should be entrusted. Consistency in these types of task will eventually make them strong in the face of the increasing challenges and, they would be able to tackle it effectively.
Subjected to such well-defined and structured training, the subordinates will eventually be able to unveil the great leadership traits possessed by them, waiting to be exposed!

Six Simple Steps For Good Communication


“Communication is the real work of leadership,”-Nitin Nohria

The effectiveness of any leadership style and approach wholly rely on the leadership vision and, if only the leadership vision is communicated properly to the team, the best can be expected by the team mates for the success depends upon the communication where the leader is able to properly unveil his views, ideas and what he is thinking and feeling.
There are several ways of achieving the best communication between leaders and team mates that would lead to mutual understanding as well as good, friendly relations between the leader and team mates. When such a supporting and conducive aura for work has been created, the subordinates will always feel like being motivated and inspired and would work harder to give the best.
The effective communication is the one where receiver has got the message what the transmitter intend to communicate.
There are some easy yet effective steps that if implemented by the leaders ensure the good communication between the leaders and subordinates.
• Knowing Your Followers
Knowing the intellectual, mental level of the followers is a prerequisite for the helpful communication. The authentic leader successfully smells the fragrance of abilities, surrounding the individual follower. The leader is the able to accentuate the fragrance by polishing his abilities through the proper conveyance of his ideas.
The more deeply the leader is aware of the abilities, the knowledge and the mental level of the followers, the easier it would be for him to simplify his leadership vision for the effective communication to the team workers. This promises the welcoming breeze of success ahead.
• Writing Down Your Vision
The tasks and the important aspects of the vision should be given in black and white to the subordinates. The more the vision is in writing form, the concrete the existence is and the attainable the goals would be.
Having this in writing would first of all give the best idea of the goals and the path planned for it. Secondly, the subordinates could relate their progress by looking and reading the written goals. Thirdly, the message of the leader could be explained to the followers in the simpler form that could be approached by the mind of even those who are not having any prior knowledge. Moreover, the verbally said thing is least effective and lasting as compared to the written thing. It gives a very firm look and succeeds in getting the required result across the board.
• Presenting The Ideas
A session should be arranged a day or two after the written form of the vision is handed to the subordinates. The purpose of the session should be to allow the subordinates to come up with the fascinating and creative ideas that make the task livelier and worth achieving. The leaders himself must provide the different ideas too. This would result in the influx of the challenging yet alluring ideas and would ensure the healthier and well-structured communication between the leaders and the team workers.
• Actively Listening
“With the fluidity of information in business today, leaders need to be masterful listeners; they need to be able to receive as well as send.”- Badaracco
Good communication can not be ensured as long as one is not the good listener. The more the leaders pay heed to the subordinates ideas and problems, the closer he would be to them and understandable communication would stem from it. Only the good listening would produce the good response by the leader and a clear logical answer, too.
Listening is the basic model for the integrity in communication that facilitates mutual understanding and increases the chances of the victory.
• Clarifying the Queries
During the course of the task, it is logical that the subordinates would come up with some confusion when a cloud of confusion hovers around their mind. Therefore, the task of leader is to arrange a question-answer session where it should be the utmost endeavor of the leader to clarify the queries of the subordinates either by displaying slides or by giving examples and by verbally explaining it. The higher the exchange of words and ideas would, the stronger the communication knot would be.
• Exchange Of Feedback
Feedback is immensely imperative for the successfully good communication between the leader and the subordinates. The leader is supposed to give feedback on the activities and work of the subordinates. However, the importance of this very feedback demands the greater care in the selection of words for the negativity can hamper the skills of the follower. It does not imply that the mistakes should not be told to the follower but, it could be done so by the very aptly chosen supportive and optimistic words.
Though the feedback by the leader is important, the essence of the feedback could not be ignored either. At the end of the day, the subordinates should be spurred to give feedback of the activities and come up with any possible suggestions, too. It would improve the working aura and would promise the success too.
The greater the exchange of ideas would be and more properly the problems would be addressed, the healthier the communication would be and finer the chances of selection. This highlights the importance of the communication and the good communication skill can be attained by simply following the above-mentioned techniques. Happy successful leadership!

Instilling The True Leadership characteristics In Tomorrow’s Leaders!!

Our children will inherit the world that will be full of complexes, ambiguities and other social, political and economic problems and, in order to best cater with the growing problems, they have to be strong, sturdy, possessing the best leadership skills.
When such an immense necessity is of leadership characteristics, the children should be made acquainted with leadership styles, its theories and its traits at an early age, to nurture them as a successful leader in the best possible way.
The article well covers the important characteristics required for a leader and, unveil the different approaches at academic levels that would bring out of them a potential leadership.
There lies a wide array of leadership styles, classifying the diverse behaviors, actions and characteristics of varied people. However, the most successful is the “transformational Leadership Style” for; it encompasses the collective motivation and participation of leaders and subordinates, providing a source of inspiration for subordinates. Also, it could be applied while tackling various problems. Therefore, it is exceptionally important to carve our children as the transformational leader to best tackle the future adversities.
Good Communicator, Creative and Innovative, Imaginative, Keen Observer, Decisive, Responsible, fully aware, Motivated, Flexible, Assertive, Optimistic and Social; these are the hallmarks of the leader’s characteristics and, these could ensure the unconquerable leadership.

The fundamental qualities can be instilled by introducing few measures in the curriculum
• Good Communication Skills
The present globalized world is all about information and communication. No matter how much skills does a person possess, no matter how much intelligent and knowledgeable he is, it can not be displayed properly if the person lacks good communication skills. Hence, it is extremely vital to improve and mature the communication skills of pupils.

To instill the comprehensible communication skills, campus education must encourage public-speaking. Pupils must be assigned with some topics for presentation and at the assigned date, allow the children to express their ideas articulately in front of the students, teachers and administration staff. The audience must be spurred to come up with the useful question to alleviate the good communication and understanding skills of both.

Moreover, the children should be allowed to guide youth club members on the topic of their interest as a teacher, covering each and every niche of topic. Group discussion, conferences and debate competitions should be organized to encourage healthy conversation, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas articulately and fluently.

An effective way of developing the communication leadership skills is to allow the children to conduct assemblies, functions and do live coverage of the celebrations on religious days, national and international days. This will boost up their confidence and will unveil the best communication skills of them.

• Creativity, Innovation And Imagination

Arts, mathematics, sciences are full of projects and assignments that could compel the pupil to effectively use their brain to come up with logical solutions .These assignments foster creativeness, quick decisive power and stimulates rational behavior and thinking. Moreover, these subject exist due to the contribution of great leaders such as scientists, painters, calligraphers, educationist etc.It will allow them with the deep analysis of their contributions as a leader and would act as inspirations for them in future life, that is hungrily waiting for their superb leadership skills for a promising success.
A theme should be assigned to students monthly, allowing them to come up with any possible contribution covering the title from any angle. This would enable students to unleash their critical thinking and creative ideas. The display of all those things at the end of month will enable the true exchange of ideas and would allow them to trust on their invincible capabilities.

• Keen Observation

The most effective way is to take the students to any recreational site and ask them to list all the sights and sounds and explain each sight and sound with the web of creative, meaningful words that picture the scene as finely as possible. Also, read the services and the extra ordinary qualities and work of all the great leaders and, display some of the work on slides for a short while. Ask random questions to judge their observational and listening skills.

• Decision Power And Resilience

Organize the youth clubs, science, literary and English clubs and allow them to organize at least an activity a month. The school administration just allocates some specific budget; let the rest to be decided by the members. This will polish their decision making skills, develop their self-confidence and trust on themselves. Also, in case of any mistake on their part, they have to be resilient to support their decision.

Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and prefect, all are the part of each and every school to maintain discipline. The best approach in choosing the young leaders is to allow the students to take decision. This can be done by organizing an election campaign week, allowing each candidate to speak few words about their plans and future changes. Students will analyze their capabilities and would vote for the one who think are the best. This decision power will allow them to realize the power of their vote, learn about the importance of democracy and will let them ponder over their decisions too. The will muster enough courage to stand up for their decision and face the consequences, no matter what.

• Optimism
The optimistic thinking could be best inculcated if teachers use only the positive language in explaining any thing dreadful and dangerous. Also, in any open play ground, allow the students to list the bad and good sights and sounds. Furthermore, ask the students to list the good aspects of the previous day. This would allow them to find a ray of hope even no matter how worst the day had been. The student must be acquainted with the background and reasonable information of any thing and personality and, then should be asked to summarize the positive aspects only. All these measures would make them sanguine to the core.

• Sociability And Flexibility

These are the most important leadership traits required in today’s leaders .In fact these form the true essence for an authentic leadership. The transformational leadership itself is all about the sociability and flexibility. These leadership skills can be infused by entrusting with the tasks that allow group members cooperation as much as possible.
Encourage the group leader to take decisions that transform the ideals of all in to realism, keeping in view their vision. This will help him to have good social behavior as well as flexibility in his approach. The group members should also be encouraged to amalgamate the suggestions of all in such a way that ensures the victorious outcome.

Once all these actions are taken, the genuine leadership qualities will become the part of their incomparable personality, eventually leading them to be a successful leader. The students are future of tomorrow; any careless mistake on our part could explode their future in no time, creating a huge problem on the face of earth. That’s why it is exceptionally important to water these seeds with good efforts to make them strong, sturdy plant that cheerfully blooms in the blissful blossoms of successful people.

Leadership At Managing The Resources

Leadership is a great responsibility in its true essence. Its areas of attention are as diverse as its styles and theories are. When it comes in to light the term of leadership, the picture of managing the resources accordingly, yielding the best from the present, is what to be expected from the leader.
The current developing world is in severe urge of an authentic leader that could make the effective use of resources, with minimum side effects and high yields. When such high is the demand of the time, the upcoming leaders must concentrate on these points in order to evolve the best.
• Time Management
The first and foremost factor that influences the usage of resources is the “time” factor. Timely fulfillment of the tasks without any last minute hassle, would avoid many abrupt decisions that could be dangerous for the individual and organization as a whole.
Moreover, the more planned the tasks are, giving their deserved time, more mistake could be avoided. It would not affect the efficiency of the followers and they would mentally be satisfied and relaxed in doing their job as it is well said “the birth of tension is the death of talent.”
As long as the time is managed properly and the demanding tasks are given their due attention, the tension would not stem up and would not hamper the performance of the individuals.
• Meetings For The Prioritization Of The Tasks
The organization of the meetings is immensely essential for the management of resources. It is always advisable to arrange the meetings, inviting all the related top officials and the subordinates, and discuss the resources from many angles i.e. discuss its negative and positive points, the cost effective areas, the creative and the lucrative areas. Prioritize the tasks on the basis of these factors and allocate the financial and expertise accordingly.
The more the concerned issues are addressed, the minimum would be the chances of hurdles and work can be done smoothly, resulting in the terrific accomplishments of goals.
• Managing The Budget
Proper and effective use of the money has always been an important aspect for the leadership influence. Though, the apt use of money is indeed the key to the success, any mistake in it could explode the very basis of the assured success in no time.
The allocation of money should be based on the prioritization of the task and the resources available. If the more convenient resources are available to achieve the simple tasks and the desired work can be obtained from those resources, it is always wise to spend the money on the area which is lucrative and affects the results across the board, ensuring the output maximum, too.
• Usage Of Technology
No doubt the technology has incredible effects on the efficiency of the process and yields the greatest, too; the unwise spend on it, without judging it from all angles, will not necessarily produce the profitable and balanced results.
For example, if any task requires the use of machinery, and that can be easily manipulated manually too, it is always suggested to estimate the over all profit of the task manually as well as in mechanized form. If the profit is significantly higher in mechanized form, covering the cost of machinery in the good package, the idea of the mechanized technology can then be supported. And, if the profits are not up to the expectations or are not in harmony with the mechanized path-way, then the use of manual power would be the only best option.
Management of the resources is no doubt a difficult and demanding task, the careful analysis of the key factors from varied angles and the discussions of the allocation of the staff and the finance would produce the optimum results. The fundamentals like time factor and the technology use are indispensable too, for they assure the uprising of the brighter sun from the horizon of success!

Assessing The Leadership Skills In A Job applicant

The present world is constantly emerging as more competitive and demanding. In order to cope with up with the fast emerging trends, it has become immensely necessary to have the employees which posses the best leadership skills that are essential for job since, the competent, effective leadership is the necessity at all the levels.
Since creative leadership traits have become an increasing demand of all the organizations, here are some tests that would enable the employer to finely judge the leadership skills in the employee for the best selection.
The Psychological Test
It consists of a series of question and answers that allow perceiving the character and thinking of the employee. It includes a series of some group versus individual tests. It helps the employer to evaluate that how much the employee is inclined to have good communication and understanding between him, his team mates and the subordinates. The proper assessment of one’s character is essential as it gives the idea of how much flexible he is in his approach.
If the job requires the participative or employee-centered style to be implemented, this test is indispensable as it gives the idea of how much he is task oriented and good at human relations, the main prerequisite of the styles.
The Ability Test
This test is not basically the test of any required leadership skill but since the good knowledge of the job ensures the right guidance by the leader, this test is essential. Also, if the employee is the subordinate of any leader, the good knowledge is vital to come up with the challenging, creative ideas in participative leadership.
The Personality Test
This test examines the behavior and actions of the person when subjected to different situations. A leader has to be optimistic and remain cool even in the tense, hot situation. This is essential as it infuses the feeling of confidence and trust among the subordinates, required for the optimum efforts by the subordinates.
The test involves some group activities, with the tough deadlines. The employees are keenly observed through out the task to judge the confidence, sharpness and the decision-making ability of the leader.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is aimed at evaluating the ability of an employee to control his feelings and emotions. The leadership styles that demand the good social relations between the subordinates and the leader, the positive emotional intelligence tests are then rightly demanded.
It facilitates the employee to ascertain the social and communication skills of the employee and how much he is aware of the surroundings and could well control his impact on others. This test helps to examine the balanced approach of the employee in getting the assigned work from the subordinates and exercising his leadership authorities on them.
Integrity Test
Integrity is one the exceptionally important leadership trait. Every good leader is found to possess this tremendous skill. This test gives an idea of whether the person will indulge in any unfair means. The honesty, sincerity and commitment of the employee could be well ascertained through this test.
The test includes some activities and leadership questionnaire to assess the sincerity and honesty in his words and actions. If there lies the deep, closer link between what he answered in the questionnaire and what he does in the practical task, the person possess integrity, the most imperative leadership skill.
Interview
The last but not the least is the interview test which allows the leader to figure out the confidence and the communication skills of the employer. If the interview is structure based, with some challenging questions, the employee can well discover the decision-making capability of the individual.
The effective leadership requires the good decision-making ability. Hence; the structured interview will help the employee to ascertain leadership characteristic in the individual. Once all these tests are properly performed, the authentic leadership can be easily figured out among the masses.

Are You A Successful Leader?

Leadership is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals, which is made possible through conducive environment, mutual understanding and effective communication; allowing the clear insight of vision and the steps to attain it, to the followers .
The researchers have suggested the various leadership styles, theories and characteristics but what pledges the guaranteed triumph, the question is still in discussion. The successful leader can be defined as the one who has attained in all the tasks and has remained as an outstanding and influential person through out his job.

The article puts light on some of the qualities possessed by all the great leaders of the past.
The successful leadership stems from being exceptionally sharp in decision-making and always come up with the right conclusions at demanding time. The leaders carefully analyze the facts and figures and open a new episode of creativity, each time they express their ideas. He possesses the ability to best interpret the information and reach at more practical and lucrative solutions.
The successful leaders possess vitality in his actions which instill the inspiration and the unbeatable feeling of motivation in the followers. This insurmountable inspiration and motivation acts as a catalyst towards the promising success. To get the task done, this is an important step by the leader as, it produces the cohesive feeling among the team mates. He must have a correct idea of the weakness and strengths of the individual and then work accordingly to bring them together, as a whole
Importantly, the successful leader is good at transferring his ideas and vision. The fluency, the enthusiasm with which he conveys his ideas to the subordinates engulf them with an invincible feeling of promised success. The clearer he is in his vision and goals, the better would be the performance of the followers.
To be an effective leader, he must have the true insight of the leadership styles and what style suits which situation. Only the apt of the situation and selection of the styles accordingly would assure the accomplishment of goals. On the basis of the individuals knowledge, the resources available, the related experiment, the nature of task and the relations with subordinates; the decision of situation is made in to effect.
Integrity in the words and actions is essential leadership skill. If the subordinates believe on the words of the leader, he would trust on him and will look forward to him in the troublesome situations. He would be expected to make fair judgments. The leader must be honest a in his judgments and must give the juniors their due reward; this will instill confidence in them to trust on their abilities and work harder.
To come up as an authentic leader, he has to make a leader among his subordinates. History has proved that only those leaders are written in the golden pages of history that have produced true leaders. For this to be done effectively, the leader must act as a role model for the subordinates and should keep his words. He must entrust the subordinates with few authorities in certain matters and expect the best from them. Timely guidance, instilling confidence through responsibilities would carve their skills of leadership, which would be unveiled as the situation demands.
If these superb qualities are the hallmarks of one’s character, he is truly a successful leader-the only support in the violent sea of crisis!

Top Five Leadership Styles

The well popular and the immensely important concept of leadership unveils with itself many approaches, leadership styles and skills which if truly applied and are well integrated ,keeping in view the reality and the depth of goal, will ensure the positive, promising environment for success. These leadership styles are emerged from the different theories put forwarded after the thorough research.

There lies a broad spectrum of leadership styles, ranging from the classic, old and bossy styles to the modern, participative and thoughtful styles, successfully catering the needs of as diverse situations as the styles possibly are. It covers all the areas of leadership, ranging from a small school to a corporate organization, from the coaching of athletes to running a successful business; only the apt selection of leadership style and proper application of it, ensures the effective leadership across the board.

The following are the most common leadership styles

Authoritarian Or Autocratic Style

This sort of leadership style mainly revolves around the power of the leader where the leader, solely, exercises all the powers and the subordinates are only expected to complete the designed job without any questioning. Since all the activities are controlled by leader and the subordinates are not taken in to confidence, so they are highly uncertain of their future. This results in high absenteeism and staff turnover. The leader does not participate in the group and, just come up with directions to the subordinates. Hence; this style lacks creativity and innovation of new ideas and techniques that come up if young subordinates are given at least a little free hand. These budding minds then feel like being bottled- up and are totally confined.

This style is generally viewed as the bossy or dictatorship style.

It is helpful only in the situation when the leaders possess the excellence in knowledge or there is lack of decision-making time.

Democratic Or Participative Style

This type of leadership style is truly creative as it permits all the subordinates to participate in the decision making process by coming up with ideal suggestion and creative ideas. Here, the subordinates are fully involved in the task, from decision-making process to working on it with commitment and, hence they are highly certain of their future and can visualize their success in near future. This impulse acts as a source of motivation.

Since, this style encourages the maximum participation on both sides; there lies the good communication and friendliness between the leader and the subordinates. Hence, this style could be well applied in the situations which are task-oriented and, at the same time demands the good, comprehensible communication.

It minimizes the aggression, hostility and grievances among the group members and paves way to the greater satisfaction and high morale. It ensures the personal development of subordinates, too.

Employee-Centered Style

The employee-centered style is little bit more freedom oriented than democratic style. The leaders just designed the achievable goals and, articulately explain it to the employers. The rest is the job of the subordinates to follow any possible strategy that paves the way to success. The leaders then focus on the human aspect of the subordinates and motivate them in the application of their useful thoughts.

This style is best applied on the subordinates who possess the considerable knowledge about the task.

Production-Centered Style

The style is quite contrary to the employee-centered style where the focus is on the production rather than on the human aspect. The employers are kept pushed to meet the deadlines without giving deserved attention to the assigned task. The focus is mainly on the increased productivity and the best use of employers is made to attain this target.

This style can no longer be applied in today’s scenario where the subordinates are not willing to be directed and pushed all the time. In fact, today’s scenario portrays that the subordinate is more leader than the leader himself.

Supportive Style

This style is linked with the psychological relation between leaders and subordinates, which springs from the good mutual understanding and good communication skills. Leader, when adopting supportive leadership, appreciates and truly acknowledges the work of subordinates, does not force the worker to do beyond his capacity and often keeps in mind the problems of subordinate. In fact the leader appears more as a source of help to the subordinates. More than that, he always stand up for the rights and efforts of the subordinates and, do not criticize them harshly or even in front of others. The leader is willing to get influx of ideas from the subordinates and, often appreciates and rewards them for their extraordinary thinking.

When such a strong, motivated and appreciably good relationship exists between them, they subordinates feel motivated and always endeavor to do the best.

However, this relationship can not be solely applied. It has to be integrated with the employee-centered style or participative style, the required perceived results can then be guaranteed.

The leadership styles are extremely diverse and their effective application is totally subjected to the situation. The hallmark of a true leadership is that it analyzes the changing attitudes, values and the situation appropriately and then implements the blend of leadership styles, which reflect those changes, that eventually ensures the good outcome at the end.