Life lessons for a leader

A leader is an inspirational figure and leading is a complex activity involving planning, organizing, directing (or leading) and controlling. Leadership is the ability to inspire confidence in and support among the people. Leadership is often regarded as a partnership or collaboration between leaders and group members. A leader creates a vision to direct the organization.

Definition

Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. Leadership is the process of inducing others to take action toward a common goal.

Dimensions of a leader

Leadership has five dimensions.Leadership is a trait, which often inherited. Leadership is considered as the capacity or ability to lead and can be acquired by practice.Leadership is a skill or competency developed to accomplish a task effectively. Leadership is also a behavior that can be observable in an individual. Finally leadership is a relationship centered on the communication between leaders and followers. Leadership is a relational concept. Leadership exists only in relation to others - namely followers. Leadership is a process. In order to lead, the leader must do something. Leadership requires inducing others to take action.

Types of leadership

Leadership can be of two types such as transformational and transactional. Transformational leadership has been  defined as leadership that involves changing the organization (change focussed). Such leadership typically involves passion and self-sacrifice, confidence and determination. Transactional leadership has been defined as leadership that maintains or continues the status quo.

Central formula of leadership( Max Landsberg 2000)

Leadership = Vision X Inspiration X Momentum

The essence of leadership is the ability to create vision, inspiration and momentum in a group of people.

The Are-Know - Do model of leadership attributes

Who leaders are - Character and personality- values, motives, abilities, traits, commitment, honesty, courage, imagination.
What leaders know - Competencies and skills (people skills).
What leaders do - Habits, behaviours,style, leading by example.

Attitude is everything for a leader. The  attitude of a leader determines his  altitude. As Victor Pacini said,"Your attitude determines your success." Leader has the drive to take initiative. He  should have good organization skills. He should have the ability to handle emergencies. A leader should be adaptable. A leader  should have problem-solving abilities. A leader  should not buckling under pressure  and manage under stress. Leadership is a highly creative activity. No leader can survive for long without generating his or her own ideas. Leadership is an intrinsically interpersonal activity. Effective leaders typically spend at least 80% of their time actually talking to followers.

Inspirational quote on leadership

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and
shows the way".        -John C.Maxwell.

"A leader is a dealer in hope." -Napoleon.

"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women
  to a common purpose and  the character
  which inspires confidence." -Bernard Montgomery,British Field Marshal.

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." -Warren Bennis.