The Keys of Leadership

            Being a leader is more than just being in charge of people. In order to be a good leader, you need to have some qualities that not everybody has.

            Even though this is going to sound cliché, one of the most important qualities that needs to be present in a good leader is to be a good listener. The people you lead need to be able to feel like you care about them. If you really listen to what someone said and show true interest, then you will be able to understand what they need in order to be successful.

            Understanding is another for sure quality needed. With understanding also comes flexibility. There are situations that come up that cannot be foreseen and emergency situations that do arise. In times like these, you need to be able to see the situation from the other person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. Being able to be flexible to help accommodate the people you lead, makes them want to work harder and appreciate the work that they are doing.

            Respect is also another key factor that needs to be present in a leader. If you show respect towards someone, they are most likely going to reciprocate that respect. Acting like they are beneath you is an absolute do not. They will lose all respect they have for you and will not want to get any work done or work for you. That is how you get an unproductive team. Showing respect, while being firm and making sure everyone is doing what they need to do, is a great way to possibly make some friends and be a great leader.  

You need to make sure that the people you lead feel like they are important to you and show that they are actual people and not some acquaintances that you casually know and are in charge of. Doing this will most likely lead them to be more productive and happier people in general and make them actually like the job they are doing.  Following these main keys to leadership is how you are going to be a great leader and be successful at it. So, if you are offered a position in leadership, ask yourself if you have these qualities in you and if you answer yes, then you will be set up for success.