Assignment

Effective Leadership

Define leadership and discuss the characteristics of an effective leader.

Leadership is a kind of power where one person has the ability to influence or change the

values, beliefs, behaviour and attitudes of another person (Ganta, and Manukonda, 2014). A

person with strong leadership ability will be a good example or role model to their employees,

because the leader who is able to effectively achieve some good result or achievement gains the

trust and admiration of their employees, and inadvertently changes their values, beliefs,

behaviour and attitudes, for mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery (Grint, 2007). This

statement is also supported by Northouse (2009), who states that leaders who possess strong

leadership have the strength to influence others to achieve the goals and objectives of the

organisation. Other than that, there is also another way to define a leader that has strong

leadership.

A characteristic of effective leaders is that they give a clear direction to their employees, and

also lead their employees to commit to their jobs and to work as a group to achieve the

organisation’s goals and objectives (Wasim, and Imran, 2010). This also tells us that good leaders

usually have a clear vision for the company and therefore can easily identify the problems and

obstacles that currently stand between them and the aims of the organisation.

In this way they are able to effectively and efficiently bring about the necessary reforms that

will bring the company into the future while keeping abreast with contemporary changes in the

business world. According to Jackson and Parry (2008),leadership is a process where leaders use

their skills and knowledge to lead and bring a group of employees in the desired direction that is
relevant to their organisation’s goals and objectives. Additionally, an effective leader that has

strong leadership skills should also be in possession of certain characteristics, such as, passion,

consistency, trust and vision; for only leaders who own these characteristics are able to build

trust in employees.

Characteristics Of An Effective Leader

Some key characteristics of effective leaders include:

1. Integrity

A leader with integrity can help foster trust within a team. Teams usually feel safer and more
supported within the workplace environment if their leader demonstrates ethical leadership
principles. A leader can instil confidence in a team by treating each member fairly and
advocating for the team's success. If a leader's behaviour is consistently in line with their
principles, it can also help to create an ethical organisational culture.

2. Transparency

A team is more likely to trust a leader who is transparent and encourages open communication.
An effective leader is open about the direction of the organisation and any goals or challenges it
faces and provides team members with a clear understanding of their role and what they can
contribute. An open and honest leader can inspire a team to feel respected and valued. This can
lead to greater engagement and productivity.

3. Accountability

A leadership role means assuming responsibility for a team. Each team member has autonomy
and may make mistakes, so it's important that a leader is accountable for their own decisions.
Accountability means accepting responsibility for your decisions and the outcomes of your
choices and determining ways to make better decisions in the future. Identifying a problem is
often the first step towards solving it as a team. A leader who demonstrates accountability
encourages members to identify and acknowledge their own mistakes, which can also help to
develop a growth mindset within the team.

4. The ability to empower team members

Part of a leader's role is to inspire each team member to achieve their best. Empowering a team
involves showing respect, building relationships and challenging the team to find solutions
together. When a leader displays confidence in the members of their team, it helps them to feel
supported and confident in their own abilities. This empowers them to strive for excellence and
produce the best work they can.

5. The ability to think strategically

Effective leadership requires forward-thinking and an openness to change. Thinking strategically

is an ongoing process. It involves an awareness of the organisation's broader context and a
curiosity and willingness to try new ideas while focusing on the future. An example of this is
through the continual reassessment of internal processes, such as roadmapping or technological
advancements. It's also important for a leader to motivate a team to think strategically. This may
involve hosting brainstorming sessions to encourage the team to consider innovative ideas.

6. Problem-solving skills

Leaders may encounter challenges that require a creative solution. Having the resources to
consider each issue from different angles can help when a leader doesn't have an immediate
solution. A leader's role is to guide and empower a team when they face challenges. This may
involve offering them several solutions to consider or asking leading questions to encourage the
team to find the answer independently. As a leader, developing your problem-solving skills can
help you face challenges with greater confidence and achieve better outcomes.

7. The willingness to take risks

Taking calculated risks can help a team or organisation grow. For a leader within a large
company, experimentation is often important for establishing or maintaining a competitive
advantage. A culture of risk-taking and innovation also requires a leader to endorse bold ideas
and creativity. It's important that team members can propose new ideas without worrying about
the final result. An effective leader encourages a team to consider every idea, even unsuccessful
ones, as a learning experience that can help with risk-informed decision making in the future.

8. Resilience

The ability to persevere and overcome adversity is a critical characteristic of effective leaders. A
leader's role is to guide a team through challenges and maintain an optimistic attitude. A resilient
leader can accept setbacks and put their energy into finding the most productive pathway
forward. For example, if significant restructuring is occurring within a company, an effective
leader may direct their attention towards helping the team prepare for and manage any future
challenges.

9. The ability to connect with a team

A typical team consists of individuals with a diverse range of talents and interests. Good leaders
appreciate this and can develop meaningful connections with each member. If a leader is aware
of what each member is good at and enjoys, it can boost productivity and engagement within the
team. Providing the opportunity for regular meetings that encourage honesty can help a leader to
determine this information. Connecting regularly with a team also demonstrates a leader's
interest in each individual's aspirations and career goals.

10. The ability to delegate

Delegating tasks is an important skill for effective leaders. It helps a leader to manage their time
effectively and keep projects progressing. It also enables a team to develop their skills and sense
of autonomy. Delegating work among members can facilitate teamwork, provide opportunities
for growth and encourage better decision making. To delegate effectively, a leader may ask each
team member to nominate their preferred tasks or provide brief outlines of more complex
projects before assigning them. An effective leader typically provides a team with honest
feedback and encourages time-management skills.
11. Effective communication skills

Communicating clearly with a team is central to effective leadership. A leadership role typically
requires daily communication with a wide range of people from different roles and backgrounds.
How a leader communicates may depend on the context. For example, a leader may alter the tone
of their voice and word choice depending on whether the aim is to encourage and inspire a team
member or relay complex information. The success of a project or vision may depend on how
clearly a leader communicates it.

12. Active listening skills

Effective leaders actively listen without bias or passing judgement and give others their full
attention when approached with a challenge or idea. They remain engaged and curious and
usually use positive body language, such as nodding or eye contact. Active listening promotes a
culture of open and respectful communication. It also encourages colleagues to share their ideas,
which promotes diversity and can contribute to a company's success.

13. The ability to recognise success

Respecting a team involves recognising their successes and significant achievements, ensuring
each member feels appreciated and acknowledging a job well done. This can improve job
satisfaction and help team members to feel proud of their role and contribution to the
organisation. An effective leader can foster a culture of recognition by giving the team the
opportunity to share the progress or achievements of their colleagues.

14. Powerful decision-making skills

Leadership often involves making strategic decisions quickly. In a rapidly changing business
environment, deliberating the best outcome isn't always possible. The confidence to make fast
decisions comes from an extensive understanding of the broader organisation and its history.
This knowledge enables a leader to balance potential opportunities with the organisation's
long-term goals and objectives. Decisions made quickly and confidently may help the
organisation grow and remain competitive.