The definition of leadership varies from person to person. You have a different perspective for the term “leader” and I may have another. But the traits required to be an efficient leader remains the same for all.
So, what may be leadership?
Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of the individual or a group towards the goal achievement in given situations. It’s an integral part of the management which plays an important role in running and directing every organisation.
It may be business or running of a government body, every organisation needs an efficient leader who has loads of leadership qualities in him/her. A successful leader is like the backbone of any organisation who has an efficient role to play in the running of the organisation and the intellect behind planning the activities.
You meet a few people in life who give opt justice to the word “leader”. You may feel that they are blessed with leadership skills and are born leaders. But the actual truth is no one is born as a leader, they just start developing the traits of a leader and try to inculcate leadership traits in them from time to time.
The role of leadership traits has been increasing with the progression of time. In the current era, the leaders have to be updated with such capabilities that help them in working in an ever-changing environment, inspiring a workforce that is spread across the globe, and ensuring the success of organizations regardless of issues like remote work and technological progress.
The ability to empathize allows for the trust and loyalty to be established within the teams. For instance, a team leader offering to let an employee have flexible hours because of some personal issue is likely to solve such a work-related problem at hand, thereby allowing a good culture within the organization. Such an approach boosts not only the morale of the team but also its output.
Being Adaptable has transitioned from a best practice to an expectation in leadership. Cumulative experience because of the fast-paced business world has instilled a sense of urgency in the leaders to capitalize on available opportunities. For instance, companies that made use of the available CRM and digital communication tools recorded great productivity and staff motivation which is proof that there are always leaders who are prepared for change and only such leaders can guarantee success for their organizations in the long run.
Here are a leadership traits that may help you to become a successful leader.
A Leader must be Visionary
Of all the leadership traits we will be discussing here, having a great visionary is one of the most important leadership traits. Setting up visionaries are very important for an efficient leader. He/she must have practical visionary to foresee situations, reactions and results. When they have a goal to be achieved they can plan, prepare and execute accordingly.
Setting up vision not only helps them walk in the right path but also enhances other intellectual skills like – knowledge, creative thinking, critical thinking, practical understanding and decision making etc. You may get hundreds of people trying to prove you wrong or discourage you, regarding the vision you have set. But be confident about your vision and see to that you are heading on the right path and leading the right path to those following you.
Ability to Inspire Others
This is one of the abilities which is generally inborn or learnt with experience gained when surrounded by leaders. The ability to drive others to reach great heights of success is not simple. Thinking about others growth along with theirs is not that easy. Many of the times the ones in higher authority try to rule over the executives and want them to follow their words as a command. But the right leader will always try to motivate you and lead to the path of success. A leader may not walk with you but he/she will lead to the right path. An efficient leader connects with others, lights up the energy level in them and inspires to act accordingly in order to reach the goal.
Ability to Solve Problems
Ability to have patience and control the situations as required is the first and foremost trait of leadership. An efficient leader firstly makes quick decisions in order to settle the problem temporarily. Then he/she finds the root cause of the problem and further takes collective measures to resolve the problem. Everyone can lose hope, get anxious or lose patience in times of problems but a real leader stands confidently to solve them on his/her own.
Emotional Maturity
Emotional maturity and stability is the major trait for an effective leader. It pertains adjustment to situations and life by bringing in balance. Such leaders accept the success as well as failure with an open heart. They have the rational approach towards different opinions and oppositions. Generally, they are humorous, happy and live life to the fullest and mainly are determined enough to achieve their goals. They have very strong control over their emotions and they do not make emotional hasty decisions.
Capability to understand human psychology
Leader must have the ability to know their team/ group or people inside out. Their emotions, their problems, their strengths etc. He/she knows how to be emotionally supportive and avoid ego issues. He/she shows humanity, helps and cares for the wellbeing of the surrounding and tries to maintain a good relationship with everyone.
Ability to Appreciate
This is also the most important trait of a leader. A person with self-centric nature can never remain a leader for a longtime. One who wants to grow along with his/her team and gives credit to a member of his/her team for their success is a Real Leader. He/she cares for his/her team as his/her family.
Verbal Assertiveness
A leader must be a confident and effective Orator. A leader is confident, honest and fearless in presenting his/her views and opinions on behalf of the society. Words have the ability to motivate and impress anyone. Thus a leader has to make use of his/her communicating ability in order to create a positive vibe.
Willingness to take Risk
A routine work done with excellence can’t make you a Leader. A leader always charters the unknown. They must accept and seek new challenges. But, the risks taken are always calculative with clear directions. Efficient leaders do not blame anyone for their failures instead they understand their mistakes or flaws and try to correct themselves.
The Art of Fair Judgment
At times there are no right or wrong answers but just a fair judgement. Leader is the one who keeps a balance between professional and personal life. Fair decision-making ability keeps the trust firm towards the leader. Sound judgement is essential and is perhaps one of the most essential assets of an efficient leader.
The Impact of Technology in Contemporary Leadership
Technology is an indispensable tool for management. Solutions such as SalesBabu CRM empower managers with required information, monitor the implementation and results of activities, and keep the team members in touch. Implementing such tools, leaders can build a strong cohesive and effective team avoiding any sorts of chaos and promoting growth.
Conclusion
Great leaders are never complacent and embark on a path of self-improvement. With transformation in characteristics such as understanding, flexibility and patience, alongside the implementation of technology, leaders can manage complex situations and help the team to succeed.
There are loads of traits that you might come across to become an efficient leader. Here are a few leadership traits which will help you to become an efficient leader. Before you help others and motivate others, you need to help and motivate yourself to be called a successful leader. Before you preach, you need to follow!
You can also share more traits of an efficient trait and also tell us about your favourite leadership trait. And we would love to hear from you.. If you wish to read more such contents, check out SalesBabu BLOG.
