Leadership encompasses the ability of an individual, group or organization to “lead”, influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. The following are important factors of leadership:
Unwavering Courage
It is based upon knowledge of self, and one’s occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long.
Definiteness Of Plans
The successful leader must plan his work and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks.
The Habit Of Doing More Than Paid For
One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more than he requires of his followers.
Mastery Of Detail
Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position.
A Keen Sense Of Justice
Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his followers.
Willingness To Assume Full Responsibility
Successful leaders must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and shortcomings of their followers. If they try to shift this responsibility, they will not remain the leader. If one of their followers makes a mistake and shows themselves to be incompetent, the leader must consider that it is they who failed.
Definiteness of Decision
The man who wavers in his decisions shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully.
The Habit Of Doing More Than Paid For
One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more than he requires of his followers.
Cooperation
The successful leader must understand, and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for POWER and power calls for COOPERATION.
Self-Control
A man who cannot control himself can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one’s followers, which the more intelligent will emulate.
A Pleasing Personality
No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership call for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality.
Sympathy And Understanding
The successful leader must be in sympathy with his followers. Moreover, he must understand them and their problems.
