At work I am the Leadership Specialist for our Volunteer leaders in our association. Because of this, I was interested in reading Chapter 13 in our MGMT book, about leadership.
One part that I read that I found interesting, was the excerpt on page 255 that was entitled " Don't judge a leader by her Chanel". This talked about how the findings of one study showed that female candidates tend to fare worse in elections then their male opponents not only because of gender, but because of how attractive they were. I definitely do not think this is fair, but if that is the way that people think, I think that is is even MORE important, especially for woman to learn good Leadership traits and behaviors so that people will focus on the skills that they have instead of focusing on what they are wearing.
One of the traits that I think is pretty obvious, but is also VERY important is the "desire to lead". The book talks about how successful leaders have a stronger desire to leave, and I feel this is true to the core.
If you don't WANT to be a leader, and are forced into that position for some reason, you will most likely not excel.
What are some traits that you feel are important to be a good leader?
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Great so far. Makes sure you have all the elements of the RUBRIC covered. Whithout all the elements the best grade you can earn is a "C". Make sure you comment on the other BLOGS
ReplyDeleteTo me, leadership is about trusting your instincts and being decisive, and then, of course, if time proves your instincts to be wrong, the courage to own your mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Organizations need to change, to grow, to stay current, to stay vibrant. If a leader cannot quickly and efficiently take information in and make a strong decision to guide toward the right change, then the leader is wasting precious resources—time, money, energy—and paralyzing the organization. My boss at work whom I greatly respect for her financial mind cannot make a decision without analysis paralysis and then questioning the final direction once it’s been charted. She eats up countless hours of staff time hemming and hawing about how to handle a situation, only to make a snap decision on her own at the last minute that rather than being guided by rational thought or input from her employees is usually drawn to the safest (least boat rocking, least exciting, least progressive) strategy she sees. As an organization we are not making progress, but instead are spinning in circles catering to others when decisive action would make us more respected in the industry. Ultimately, her lack of leadership will cost us.
ReplyDeleteI believe the ability to create a clear vision and to translate that vision to your subordinates in a way that motivates them to accomplish the goals of the organization. It only takes one person to change the way others view reality, that one person is the leader. I read in a msn.com column about how attractive people are promoted more often then their unattractive co-workers. Interesting? I've seen this publish more than once. Sexism is definately an issue in many workplaces, and gender seems to always be the issue with lack of job equity. A good leader can also change that mentality by first acknowledging that it exist.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfair to judge a book by its cover. The most important aspect to look for in a leader is the skill, ability and desire to lead than the way they look. I disagree with the Trait theory to some extent. A leader doesn't have to have certain physical characteristics to be a leader. To me its unreasonable because some leaders may not qualify as far as the physical appearance but when it comes to hands on work, as leaders they always reach their organizational goals, are people and goal oriented. According to the CEO of Procter & Gamble, leaders are made-thats true, meaning you can have any kind of physical stamina but if you do not have the desire to lead, it won't happen and if leaders were born, then the world would have all the qualities needed for leaders according to the Trait theory.
ReplyDeleteI hope one day women will be judged by their capabilities and not their looks.Being a good leader has nothing to do with the physical attributes of a person.These days we have people in leadership position,by excellence,stroke of fate,promotion, even when they did not have the desire to lead. Are they better leaders,yes and no. Some take up the challenge and make the best of it, and some never make any sense of it.I think there is that innate attribute that wakes up a person to lead.What makes a good leader has a lot to do with the drive for success.And the will to keep going.I certainly know physical attributes,though charming,most often, never gets it right. I have seen leaders,my best remains a vertically challenged one. He was the best.
ReplyDeleteI think a leader is motivated, positive, can see the potential in people, trustworthy, ethical, and much more. A good leader chooses the right person for the job and does not care about what he/she looks like or what gender he or she is. Below is a great poem that fit my thought.
ReplyDeleteNO DIFFERENCE
Small as a peanut, Big as a giant,
We’re all the same size
When we turn off the light.
Rich as a sultan, Poor as a mite,
We’re all worth the same
When we turn off the light.
Red, black or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.
So maybe the way to make
everything right Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light!
-Shel Silverstein
This is exactly why I have problems with the Four-fifths Rule. People should not have to hire on a "quota". If we had nothing but great leaders in business we would not need this rule because the best person for the job would always get hired.
-Chelsea Smith
There are two characteristics of leaders that I see as vital to successful leadership: vision and self-confidence. Even without the desire to lead, a person can develop into a leader if the situation calls for it. When King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in pre-World War II England, his successor, King George VI, who had never had the desire to be king, rose to the occasion, showing a personal sense of responsibility and strength of character that brought forth leadership that inspired and sustained the British throughout the war. He and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, led by example, maintaining their residence in London and going out to visit hospitals and shelters during the bombing. The situation called for leadership and he acted on his vision of doing what was right.
ReplyDelete