There has always been something of the heroic about leadership, with its roots in classical culture, its overtones of self-sacrifice in the interests of the team, and the prevalence of wartime role models in our education.

 

No surprise, then, that the defining qualities of leadership as opposed to good management are to do with values and personal qualities rather than learned behaviour. But leadership training can be very effective in developing leadership skills in managers, or indeed in anyone. Effective leadership training tends to be intensely practical. Why? Because true leadership can only be built on self-knowledge and self-confidence, both of which are developed in action not at the desk; and on the personal integrity that is forged from interaction with others.

 

Know a leader by his or her values, of which fairness is key. A leader will be honest with everyone; and generally open with team members, too, where such openness will not harm team building or individual self-respect. A leader will expect to earn respect not have it by right; but he or she will be forward in always respecting other team members equally (not the same as valuing them equally), trying always to build on each team member`s strengths while minimising any adverse effects on the team arising from their weaknesses.

 

Know a leader by her qualities: confidence but not arrogance; courage – especially moral courage; humility and the ability to recognise when she is wrong; resilience in the face of adversity; determination in the face of setbacks. Many leadership qualities are those we would wish to find in others in our everyday life.

 

Know a leader by his actions for he will always do as he says he will do. A leader`s conduct cannot be anything but exemplary and he will always be prepared to do what he asks anyone in his team to do, however humble – and will then do it often enough. His actions will amplify his values, and they will stem from his qualities.

 

Know a leader by her results. Leader`s always inspire, often through very different leadership styles. Typically, they will release extraordinary results from ordinary people by harnessing and applying the extraordinary power of the team. No wonder effective training in leadership development, leadership skills and executive coaching is in such high demand in both business and the public sector.

 

Giles Lewis

How To Ltd.