Leadership Skills
Introduction
Leadership has been a contentious issue over the years, as different people have different perceptions of leadership depending on context (Stettner, 2000). In earlier times, it was generally believed that leadership was an attribute in which a person was born with, in that it was innate; the concept has changed since leadership can also be learnt with time (Caroselli, 2000). Different skills and styles of leadership are applied in different situations. There is no leadership style that fits all, leadership styles interrelate in different situations. Leaders are expected to provide direction, communicate the vision and build support of the teams and followers. Leaders are expected to show honesty, delegation, effective communication, sense of humor, confidence, commitment, creativity, good attitude, intuition and inspiration (Lussier & Achua, 2012).
Main Body
Leading effectively is realized after engaging diverse leadership skills, most employers are sensitive in choosing employees with the right leadership skills, as they influence enthuse, motivation and building respect among the stakeholders. Leaders are expected to be followed basing on the buildup respect and trust (Stettner, 2000). Credibility is one of the major skills that leaders must have; leadership roles are not necessarily fixed in organizations, but also in every aspect of day to day activities. Other leadership skills identifies with; being an effective decision maker, building a strong vision, directing the followers, proving advanced people skills, effective communication, motivating teams and a being a strong facilitator among others (Stettner, 2000).
Effective problem solving is a vital skill for each and every leader in improving technical competence. It has been noted that for leaders to achieve the desired vision, then leaders must have exemplary skills in facing diverse challenges. Problems in organizations come in different sizes and shapes, in which some are people related while other problems are strategic in nature (Caroselli, 2000). A leader must have the skills of mediating among the teams and coming up with workable solutions without any forms of bias. A leader builds respect and trust which encourages followers to discuss potential and existing problems in the organization.
Leaders are expected to show positive attitudes in improving technical competence, it has been noted that an attitude is guided by feelings, values, dispositions and beliefs that shape the way leaders act. A positive attitude is critical in leading an organization and also in effectively dealing with the day to day activities (Lussier & Achua, 2012).
A leader is expected to be a strong facilitator in improving technical competence, it has been noted that facilitation is critical for making leaders encourage followers to achieve the desired goals (Caroselli, 2000). Nature of support varies with leaders and followers, support can be as simple as facilitation, motivation, delegation and time management among others.
My leadership skills are in building a vision for directing the followers, effective communication and acting as strong facilitator. I have noted that situations create leaders and that different people have diverse strong leadership skills. Leadership is not fixed and the type of skills needed depends on the nature of followers that a leader have in place. There are times when leaders have to be tough and at other times soft.
The future is characterized with modernization, which is fuelled by socialization and globalization. I have noted that the current society is multicultural in nature, a feature that I have to improve in. I will attend leadership courses offered in the locality and learn more in dealing with people from different societies; I have found it very complex and challenging.
Conclusion
Leadership is complex and requires advanced understanding of the followers in knowing the best type of leadership skills and style applicable. The world in facing diverse changes with modernization and in the same way leadership is facing diverse changes. There is no leadership skill and style that fits all situations.
References
Caroselli, M. (2000). Leadership Skills for Managers. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Lussier, R. & Achua, C. (2012). Leadership: Theory, Application, & Skill Development. Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage Learning.
Stettner, M. (2000). Skills for New Managers. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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