What True Leadership Means - Essay Example

What True Leadership Means

Let’s talk about leadership, what it is, and what it means to be a true leader. When probing the leadership topic, it is good first to understand that there are many varieties of governance, else leadership. There is a leader in action, both in a good and a bad way.

While not everyone has been given the privilege to be a leader, it is good also to understand that not everyone in a position to lead makes a good leader, as such dont confuse that. Therefore, given this fundamental distinction, you have to wonder what true leadership means? Or, rather, what makes a good role model? Since not everyone makes a good leader, there are some particulate characters or qualities that every good leader must possess, what are they?

In its simplest definition, it means a person who can lead, or command a group, or an organization. That is management, but, when looking at it in general, there can be leadership and true leadership, these two concepts dont mean that same thing. Note the distinction. In most cases, when you look at the word leader and truly understand its essence, what you will see it the word ‘follower.’ Leadership and follower are two concepts that go hand in hand, one cannot exist if the other dont exist.

You have to understand that headship has dont have with attracting followership, whether large or small. But rather, it is all about conveying some sense of power, command, authority, dominion, and control that serves the good of the many by getting a majority of the subjects to follow in line through what is known as conformity. However, managements also dont lead to the creation of norm standards that are necessary for sustaining the change.

Of importance to note, however, is the fact that the greatest leader is not necessarily the one with the greatest achievements or milestones. He is the one who leads people to greatness. (Reagan, R.2017)

A great leader will not command his subjects what to do- that is ordering them-but he shows them where they ought to be at a particular time-which is directing. With a leader, there is no hidden agenda to create a harem of followers or maintain discipleship. A true leader understands that his success is entirely tied to the collective achievement of the many. A leader also understands that a war cannot be won by a single person, which is why he has to seek a team work approach in the organization continuously. Even with a team, a leader has to inspire them to know that each and every person in the team has a specific role to play that is important to the whole group, but not to command. Providing direction is all about action, not position.

When it comes to true leadership, a leader has to do away with commanding and controlling his subjects, these dont work well. This ultimately results in a rule of fear and intimidation. The people in charge who lead by these styles are the worst managers any person can work for. Additionally, management dominated by fear and intimidation is the most ineffective as these types of leaders usually are clueless about what is going on in their organizations. Usually, what you will find typically of these leaders is that they do not have the experience to run their businesses effectively, which subjects these organizations to low morale, reduced productivity, and a high rate of turnover.

While being a leader comes with its perks, for instance, it is the perfect opportunity, you must understand that not all people in power have the characteristics or the qualities for an effective leader, which becomes a big challenge for the one in control. Arguably, being a good leader means you have to serve the people and not the other way round. Additionally, a true leader is one who takes risks for the benefit of the people but who also is keen on the opinions of his subordinates.

As a leader, you need to understand that everything that goes in and out of the organization; you cannot do it all by yourself. In a very short span, everything can change, and therefore, to provide a cushion for the headship space, every leader has to embrace a culture of flexibility and openness to change. For every organization, the ability to change with every new development, situation, challenge, or pressure are pivotal to the accomplishment of the organization’s long term and short-term agendas.

At the core of true leadership is its purpose. A good captain knows what his purpose in life and the purpose of the organization is. Having a purpose enables direction, direction creates the wavelength of the organization. A good leader will lead the team from the front and will never ask of its subjects to do something that he or she is not willing to do. A bad leader will often ask for honesty, culpability, reliability, and focus without first assessing these aspects in themselves. Bad leaders will lead with coercion or persuasion.

When it comes to true leadership, leaders have to understand that it is far from titles and designations. It is about creating impact, positive influence, inspiration, and motivation. With impact, leaders get the results they want, with influence, leaders can spread passion in work and as a result, inspire the team-mates and the customers alike. (Sharma, R. 2010)

Additionally, what Sharma is trying to say is that true leadership isn’t concerned with fancy titles, rather it is about giving the employees inspiration that anybody can be a leader, and passing the message that one should never give up on his or her goals. Being in control means that you have to foster a culture of teamwork, with a team, you as a leader, you are the motivator of the team.

Additionally, when it comes to headship, talent often beat personality, and there is an explanation for this. Else how can one lead without the innate talent to lead? Without talent, how do you influence people to take action? How would you influence others to be better if you do not have talent yourself? Additionally, it is important to understand that with the talent, you can be able to influence people to pass on advocacy to other people. A leader has no room for selfishness where they think about themselves alone—as such, having talent is a great plus to true influence and guidance.

Transparency is another issue that every leader must embrace. You have to be transparent in a way that can resonate with your team, which means you have to understand their flaws and shortcomings and not attack them from that front. Additionally, a true leader is the one that dedicates his life to his goals, advocacy, and team. Transparency and loyalty are connected in a way. Leaders have to understand that true management has nothing to do with the trophies you have scooped over the years, it has nothing to do with you creditable acts, but has everything to do with the advocacy of the team, a family-like environment you have fostered.

To be an effective captain, the focus has to be channeled to yourself. Reflect upon the impacts that your interactions have made on others. Of importance, the relationship you have with your subordinates creates the biggest impact. Always be attentive to your juniors and their opinions on a subject matter. With every opportunity that comes your way, take time to assess your personality and your style through the use of various instruments.