I was at a conference recently where Haris Ahmed Chicago-based leadership expert was speaking about what it is that makes great leaders. As I watched the speech I realized that leadership, or at least the skills that are required in leadership are wholly transferrable and that whether we are discussing a leader in business, a leader in politics or a leader of a sports team, the skills remain the same.
Let’s take a look then at what skills are possessed from leaders all over the World and in all walks of life.
Drive
One thing that can be said for all great leaders is that they have a level of commitment and dedication which is unparalleled, they are the ones who constantly strive for better results, more energy and more desire from those around them. This is not necessarily a skill which is unique to those with leadership ability but it is leaders who have the power to infect others with their level of dedication.
Ability to Inspire
Great leaders have the ability to inspire those around them and they do so in a number of different ways. To begin with, a great leader is a great role model and they inspire others with their deeds as well as their words. The vey best leaders have a way in which they can inspire a wide variety of people and they can adapt their style to different characters in order to get the best from people.
Forward Thinking
The best leaders in all walks of life are the ones who always have one eye on the future, this helps ini every aspect of leadership and only the very based can manage the present whilst looking to the future. A forward thinking approach helps leaders to prepare and plan for what is to come and it allows them to do things in the present which will help further down the line.
Building a Team
Many leaders can be measured by the team which they ahem surrounded themselves by and the very best leaders are the ones who understand what makes a great team. There are many aspects to putting together a successful team and each should compliment the other, great leaders recognize this can put together a team which can work in perfect synergy. If you want to see a great leader then take a look at the team around them and you will be able to get the measure of them.
Communication
Great leaders can get their message across with perfect clarity and precision, they can share their vision with people and they can create an open and an ideas-driven environment. The best leaders do this though opening excellent lines of communication, they speak when the time is right and in the right way and they know when to listen and who to listen to. Excellent communication skills are the basis for great leadership and all great leaders possess them.