Are You An Effective Leader?

You Can Be An Effective Leader! 

 The Leadership Challenge

In life, you are either a follower or a leader. A true leader manages himself/herself before 

attempting to lead others. Leadership includes integrity, vision, a servant’s (service)

heart, courage and stewardship. I just turned 80 years, and during my life I always had 

persons following me either formally or informally. Let’s explore some elements that 

will strengthen your leadership.

Why leadership?

In any system or community where people operate, many competing views and values 

require focus. Leadership provides that focus. Leadership collates, evaluates and

designs the framework that represents and delivers the mind of the community. 

Leadership is often a lonely road to travel. A leader has to be ahead in the thinking

of his/her followers, but act within the consciousness of the followers. Jesus explained 

this when he told His disciples, “ I have many things to tell you, but not now,

as you are not yet be able to bear them.”

A Leader is someone you follow because you are attracted to his/her vision, values 

and integrity. You follow the leader out of your choice rather than through

narrow necessity for favor in your life, or through legal compulsion.  As a leader, 

you meddle seriously in the life of others, and this is a grave responsibility. Thus, if

you aspire to be a leader of tomorrow, you must be clear on what you stand for, 

and where you see the future. Great leaders are skillful listeners. They listen for what

is said, and what is not said. They align and empathize with the energy of their 

followers.

Characteristics

Several studies of leadership have thrown up many common characteristics of 

successful leaders. Examine these factors and build on them where necessary. 

There are four personal qualities that appear to be critical:

            • Clarity and strength of your vision          • Relentless courage

            • Realism of circumstances                        • Personal responsibility

Common mistakes leaders make are that they:

            • stop learning, believing that they know it all

            • fail to adapt to new technology

            • become complacent

Emotional intelligence

Put quite simply, emotional intelligence is the intelligent harnessing of positive 

and negative emotions, both yours and those of other persons that interact 

with you. For example, when I get angry with myself, or others, I manage it 

to avoid further upsetting the situation. And when I am happy or enthused, 

the emotions are handled to keep the circumstances in balance.

Summary

Being a true leader requires you to be on a journey of nurturing relationships. 

You have to be aware, attentive, and stay focused as you go along your 

leadership journey. Great leaders go beyond their competencies and personal

qualities. They produce the desired results on a consistent basis, and are strong 

and adept in their emotional intelligence and communication skills.

Conclusion

Take these three action steps to improve your leadership skills:

{1} Clarify your values and what you stand for.

{2} Confirm that you identify with the needs and values of

       your potential followers.

{3} Consciously develop the interpersonal skills of an effective leader.

Philip G. Rochford

Author &

Personal Empowerment Specialist

P.S. A small improvement by every leader in Society will cumulatively 

produce a better Society. Do your part and make that small but 

decisive improvement in your personal leadership.