Good, effective leaders have: a knowledge and understanding of a range of types and methods of leadership, a sensitivity to the environment within which they are working, and a self-awareness and understanding of others that allows them to moderate their leadership behaviours appropriately.
Leaders are authentic
Good leaders are authentic and consistent, and demonstrate honesty and integrity in all their actions, communications and behaviour. They lead by example, and are comfortable in their own skin and with their own style of leadership. They communicate clearly, openly and inclusively. This is how they engender the trust in their followers that is required to lead effectively.
Leaders have judgement
The sound exercise of judgement is an essential competence for leaders. Leadership involves making decisions, and taking risks, the skill lies in making the right decisions, and taking calculated risks. Integral to this is judgement, based on knowledge and experience, and a willingness to consult and listen to sound advice.
Leaders engage
Engagement is a vital part of leadership, as well as management. Good leaders engage people’s hearts and minds in a way that means followers do not feel exploited but freely committed to the leader’s cause. Leadership means being able to recognise what matters to others and seeking to align their goals and values with yours.
Leaders reflect
The best leaders are reflective, and value self-awareness and self-knowledge. They have the personal resilience and confidence to persist when others doubt them, but the humility to acknowledge that they are not always right.
Leaders are passionate
Good leaders don't have to have all the answers, they might not even know the right questions to ask, but they know how to enlist the help of others to find the right answers. Their passion and focus encourages people to see what is possible, and to believe that they can achieve it.
ILM believes that, while not all good leaders are the same: they have different strengths and weaknesses and different leadership styles, but the points above describe the main ways in which leaders operate.
Read more on: what is management?
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