As we begin a new year of
team leading and management courses, let’s take a look at what it means to be a
leader.
The word ‘leadership’ can
bring a variety of images to mind. For example:
- A political leader, pursuing a passionate, personal cause.
- An executive, developing their company’s strategy to beat the competition.
Leaders help themselves and others
to do the right things. They set direction, build an inspiring vision, and create
something new. Leadership is about mapping out where you need to go to ‘win’ as
a team or an organisation; and it is dynamic, exciting and inspiring.
Leaders set the direction,
but also must use their management skills to guide their people to the right
destination, in a smooth and efficient way.
What makes an effective leader?
Different people have
different ideas about what makes an effective leader. According to one
leadership model, an effective leader is someone who:
- Creates an inspiring vision of the future
- Motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision
- Manages delivery of the vision
- Coaches and builds a team, so that it is more effective at achieving the vision
Leadership brings together
the skills needed to do these things. You can learn the skills to be an
effective leader, as long as you understand the various approaches to
leadership.
Think you have the makings
of a strong leader? Ask your Job Centre advisor about our team leading courses.
