The Most Important Ideas You Have Learnt In Leadership Variables - Essay Example

Integrity is the incorporation of inner values and outward actions. An individual’s integrity should be the same for one own self and for others, such individuals are trustworthy and have the potential to become good leaders. Integrity is one of the most important factors which make a leader good leader. In order to gain the trust of followers, a leader should display integrity. Integrity is reflected in honest dealings, emotional stability, predictable reactions, the absence of bad temper, and soft communication.

Self-confidence is another important quality of a leader (Scandura and Sharif, 2011); self-confidence is reflected through behavior, decision making, and strong personality. To become a good leader, a person should possess intelligence and knowledge in the specific area of leadership. Dedication should be reflected in leader’s way of working, dedication does not only mean meeting the deadlines but it also means putting all necessary efforts and energy to make the end result effective (Wilson, 2008).

With dedication humility is also very important; leaders who practice humility follow ‘follower centric’ leadership roles (Hakala, 2009). The one who is ultimately responsible for decisions, therefore, he should be capable enough of making good decisions on the basis of fairness, facts available, and knowledge. With above all characteristics, a leader should also possess a good sense of humor to defuse hostility. Required leadership qualities to make a good leader can vary in different situations, companies, and teams.

Leadership qualities are context-dependent (Smith, 1996). Therefore it is not necessary that all leaders carry a similar set of leadership qualities; indeed there are certain attributes which are common in every leader. There are different views on leadership, some believe that leaders are born and cannot be developed but another set of people believes that leaders can be developed through the process of training and development which aims to develop missing leadership traits and to groom existing traits.

APPLY THE LEADERSHIP VARIABLES It is not only important to understand leadership variables to become a good leader. Application of variables is crucial and important. Leadership variables are not only applicable to the official environment but it can also be applicable in routine activities and in education. There are various leadership traits which can be practiced in routine life. In education life; common attributes of leadership such as integrity, self-confidence, intelligence, dedication, humility, creativity, openness, assertiveness, fairness, decisiveness, and sense of humor are easily applicable.

These attributes can be applied to achieve the effectiveness of group assignment task, individual task, to lead the decisions of the whole group or a class as a leader. Use of various leadership styles while leading the group task can be helpful in getting the best results.