The Importance of Leadership Skills - Article Example

Article Review Introduction The article “Developing Leadership skills in college and early career positions” by Larry W. Boone and Monica S. Peborde published in “Review of Business” Magazine in the Spring edition of 2008, talks about the importance of leadership in the early stages of the career by applying some fundamental principles. Relevant points of the article The article deals in the importance of the leadership skills acquired in the early part of the career and the importance of these skills in the future growth of the career. While dealing with this topic, the article touches some major and minor points, which are important in presenting the case. The major points of the article can be described eventually. Leadership does not consist of a single trait or feature. Rather it is a set of skills and attitudes, which set the leaders apart from the rest. There are a set of principles and practices, which when followed by the college students or by employees in the early part of their career, will help to embark upon a journey of leadership skills. This set of principles can be very useful in the later part of the career for the growth. One of major points in creating leadership skills is ensuring credibility. This takes a long time to develop and generally arises out of the trustworthiness bestowed upon by the subordinates. Managing time is another important point, which ensures leadership quality. The subordinates look upon for examples in a leader and time management is one of the most important points in ensuring leadership skills. Being proactive is a trait, which distinguish the leaders from the rest. A leader should know what has to be done rather to follow the general courses of action. Giving others a chance to contribute to the organization and attaching importance to every individual are traits, which build a leader. This helps in developing trustworthiness among the subordinates and the leader and helps in generating supporting activities between them. Communication is one of the main activities of every business. The leaders are no exception to that and they have to develop a strong networking function and bond over the group of people. In addition to the above major points, the article dwells on some of the minor points, which can be discussed now. The subordinates will only consider an individual a leader when he develops a trust among the constituents. A leader must be “honest, forward looking, competent and inspiring”. (Boone & Peborde, 2008; p 2) There will be major hindrances in completing activities in the deadline. There may be activities, which may not develop an individual as a leader. However, a leader must take all measures in managing time effectively. In this age of competition, leaders must know what has to be done beforehand rather than to follow the general trends in the market. The situation has to be analyzed in advance and take decisions, which will benefit the organization. Emphasis should be given on to make things happen rather than to wait for things to happen. A leader must give chance to the subordinates in participating in all kinds of activities. In other words, he should empower the individuals to take decisions on their own. By this way, a mutual understanding of trust develops. A leader is expected to maintain networks, which will help the organization in the business activities. The above points are the major and minor points, which have been discussed in details in the article. All the points are aimed at developing leadership skills in the college students or in the employees in the early part of their career. Becoming an effective leader The article deals in development of traits in individuals, which will help them to revive their career as leaders. The article is aimed at the college students and to the individuals in the early part of their career. The article is very helpful for individuals to develop traits of leadership skills in their life, which will be helpful in the growth of their career in the future. As we can infer from this article that leadership skill is not merely a trait in the characteristic of an individual. It is not the “charisma” as referred to by many individuals as the meaning of leadership. Rather, leadership is a set of skills, behaviors and attitudes, which has to be developed in an individual. The important skills that have to be developed in an individual to increase the leadership qualities are “establishing credibility, managing time, being proactive, empowering others to act and networking.”(Boone & Peborde, 2008; p. 1) Developing credibility is an important part in becoming a leader. Credibility is developed when the leader is able to develop a certain bond of trust among the employees. He must be an inspiring individual and lead the subordinates by example. Another important point, which has developed in the modern world of business, is the management of time. Leaders must be effective time managers and must follow the deadlines. He should be punctual and should set standards for the others to follow. All the activities of the day have to be completed even if problem arises. Being proactive in the decision-making is another very important point in the context of the modern economy. The modern economy is characterized by intense competition and the companies can only survive this intense competition by making right decisions. Leaders are expected to take decisions which will benefit the company in the future. They must make things happen rather than waiting for the things to happen. Anticipating the future and making decisions according to it will help in developing the organizations in the future. A leader must work in groups and empower the individuals in the decision making process. This develops a natural admiration for the leader from the subordinates. Supporting the subordinates make the leaders popular, this can be very helpful in the long run. Another aspect, which has risen in importance, is networking. Networking among the individuals and the different organizations help the business in taking decisions and empower business relationships. The leaders are expected to maintain this type of networking. Following these points help to empower the individuals with the skills needed to develop the leadership skills. Thus, the article has provided with some important insights in the development of the leadership skills in individuals. Reaction to the Article Leadership skills have assumed great importance in the modern world. With the competition among the business houses intensifying and the economy expanding all over the world the importance of leaders has increased manifold. It is a fact that the presence of good leaders are important for the development of any business as the decisions taken by them may help in the growth or decline in the business. For example, Michael Dell was instrumental in the success of Dell computers and this happened due to his revolutionary thinking of offering customized products to the customers. The article deals in developing skills, which will help in the building of leaders. Leadership skills are necessary for the success of the business in the modern world. Moreover, the skills are necessary for the development of the career of an individual. Therefore, it leads into a win-win situation. The skills described in the article are very necessary for the development of a leader. A leader must be credible enough to develop a sense of belief and trust among the subordinates. The main function of a leader is to lead people under him and for this reason he must have credibility. He must manage time efficiently to meet the deadlines set by the organization and set an example before the subordinates. One of the most important traits of a leader is being proactive- to make things happen. This is extremely important for taking decisions to make the organization a successful one. He must take care of his subjects and empower them to take decisions. This increases trust among them. Creating networks among the other organizations help in the business of the organizations and the responsibility lies on the leaders. It has to be said that the skills described in the article cannot be taught to individuals. They have to be developed over time and this comes with experience. However, individuals in college or in the initial stage of their career would do well to keep in mind the points to become a leader in the future. For that reason, the article is very useful. Conclusion The article dwells on the skills necessary to become an effective leader. If the skills are practiced, there is every chance that an individual will become an effective leader. As stated earlier, leaders are very important for the development of the business. With the increase in the economic activities, the business houses are in need of leaders and individuals in the initial stage of their career would do well to follow the principles and develop into effective leaders. References 1. Boone, L & Peborde, M. (2008). Developing Leadership skills in college and early career positions. Review of business. Read More