Principles of Leadership

Leadership is the ability to obtain followers. Leadership is influence. You are a leader to the extent that people are following you.

Why is leadership important?

Leadership is important because it influences the destiny of people. Leadership also determines, to a large extent, what a group of people will be able to achieve. Leadership moves people towards common goals, principles and values. Good leadership enables people to work together well, and realise their potential. Poor leadership frustrates both people and projects. Poor leadership results in people being hurt. Good leadership results in strong people and excellent results.

These comments apply to every area of life and human endeavour.

Who Can be a Leader?

Anyone who can act can be a leader - however, some have greater leadership potential than others. Not everyone can be a great leader, but everyone can be a better leader.

The multiplication of leadership is the key to the multiplication of a movement. The communists knew this, and had as a motto, "Every communist a leader".

People have different personality types and styles of relating. Being a leader does not depend on having a particular personality type or style of relating.

Neither does leadership exclusively depend on having a particular technical ability or giftedness. A good leader without certain skills or gifts can lead people possessing those abilities. A great leader can gather around them others who are very gifted and capable in particular areas.

Both men and women can lead, although it is a fact that there are more male leaders in the world than female, and this will probably continue into the next century also. On the other hand, for every man that ever was, there was a mother, and the leadership influence of mothers over their own children can hardly be over-estimated.

How Does Leadership Happen?

Leadership happens in two ways. The most common way is that a faithful follower is promoted to a greater position of influence within an organisation, and thereby takes responsibility to lead people in their group or division.

The other way leadership happens is when an individual gets passionately interested in doing something, starts doing it alone, and finds others who want to join in.

A leader must lead. There is no leadership without action. There must be both action and communication.

What Qualities make a Better Leader?

A good leader leads by example. The greatest authority in leadership is reserved for those who have have done themselves the things they seek to motivate others to do.

A positive attitude is very important. Leadership is not possible without advocating something. Criticism of others behind their backs is not leadership. A leader must show a better way, mostly by example.

People what to be part of a winning team. A good leader must be positive even in the face of setbacks, so that people will not be discouraged and give up. This requires the quality of steadfastness and endurance.

A good leader is self-disciplined. A good leader can sacrifice his or her present comfort for future benefits, and in this way inspires others to do the same. A good leader manages his or her time well.

A good leader knows and studies people. A good leader is a good listener, and also observes the body language and non-verbal communication of others. A good leader waits before speaking, and does not promise quickly.

A good leader is in touch with the needs, hopes, aspirations and desires of others. A good leader considers others, and seeks to do things that benefit every

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