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Organizations will not achieve excellence by figuring out where it wants to go, then having leaders do whatever they eve to in order to get the job done, and then hope their leaders acted with good character. This type of thinking is backwards. Pursuing excellence should not be confused with accomplishing a job or task. When you do planning, you do it by backwards planning. But you do not achieve excellence by backwards planning. Excellence starts with leaders of good and strong character who engage in the entire process of leadership. And the first process is being a person of honorable character.
Character develops over time. Many think that much of a person’s character is formed early in life. However, we do not know exactly owe much or how early character develops. But, it is safe to claim that character does not change quickly. A person’s observable behavior is an indication of her character. This behavior can be strong or weak, good or bad. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, willpower, and nerve. She sees what she wants and goes after it. She attracts followers. On the other hand, a person with weak character shows none of these traits.
She does not know what she wants. Her traits are disorganized, she vacillates and is inconsistent. She will attract no followers. A strong person can be good or bad. A gang leader is an example of a strong person with a bad character, while an outstanding community leader is one with both strong and good characteristics. An organization needs leaders with both strong and good characteristics, people who will guide them to the future and show that they can be trusted. Courage ? not complacency ? is our need today. Leadership not salesmanship. ? John F.
Kennedy To be an effective leader, your followers must have trust in you and they need to be sold on your vision. Koran-Ferry International, an executive search company, performed a survey on what organizations want from their leaders. The respondents said they wanted people who were epithetical and who convey a strong vision of the future. In any organization, a leaders actions set the pace. This behavior wins trust, loyalty, and ensures the organization’s continued vitality. One of the ways to build trust is to display a good sense of character composed of beliefs, values, skills, and traits (U. S.
Army Handbook, 1973): Beliefs are what we hold dear to us and are rooted deeply within us. They could be assumptions or convictions that you hold true regarding people, concepts, or things. They could be the beliefs about life, death, religion, what is good, what is ad, what is human nature, etc. Values are attitudes about the worth of people, concepts, or things. For example, you might value a good car, home, friendship, personal comfort, or relatives. Values are important as they influence a person’s behavior to weigh the importance of alternatives. For example, you might value friends more than privacy, while others might be the opposite.
Skills are the knowledge and abilities that a person gains throughout life. The ability to learn a new skill varies with each individual. Some skills come almost naturally, while others come only by complete devotion to study and practice. Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics of a person, while character is the sum total of these traits. There are hundreds of personality traits, far too many to be discussed here. Instead, we will focus on a few that are crucial for a leader. The more of these you display as a leader, the more your followers will believe and trust in you.
Traits of a Good Leader Compiled by the Santa Clara University and the Tom Peters Group: * Honest ? Display sincerity, integrity, and candor in all your actions. Deceptive behavior will not inspire trust. * Competent ? Base your actions on reason and moral reminisces. Do not make decisions based on childlike emotional desires or feelings. * Forward-looking ? Set goals and have a vision of the future. The vision must be owned throughout the organization. Effective leaders envision what they want and how to get it. They habitually pick priorities stemming from their basic values. Inspiring ? Display confidence in all that you do. By showing endurance in mental, physical, and spiritual stamina, you will inspire others to reach for new heights. Take charge when necessary. * Intelligent ? Read, study, and seek challenging assignments. * Fair-minded ? Show fair reattempt to all people. Prejudice is the enemy of justice. Display empathy by being sensitive to the feelings, values, interests, and well-being of others. Broad-minded ? Seek out diversity. * Courageous ? Have the perseverance to accomplish a goal, regardless of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Display a confident calmness when under * Straightforward ? Use sound judgment to make a good decisions at stress. The right time. * Imaginative ? Make timely and appropriate changes in your thinking, plans, and methods. Show creativity by thinking of new and better goals, ideas, and solutions to problems. Be innovative! Retreat Hell! We’ve just got here! ? Attributed to several World War I Marine Corps officers, Bellevue Wood, June 1918 (key ideal ? take a stand) Attributes Attributes establish what leaders are, and every leader needs at least three of them (U.
S. Army Handbook, 1 973): Standard Bearers establish the ethical framework within an organization. This demands a commitment to live and defend the climate and culture that you want to permeate your organization. What you set as an example will soon become the rule as unlike knowledge, ethical behavior is learned more by observing than y listening. And in fast moving situations, examples become certainty. Being a standard bearer creates trust and openness in your employees, who in turn, fulfill your visions.
Developers help others learn through teaching, training, and coaching. This creates an exciting place to work and learn. Never miss an opportunity to teach or learn something new yourself. Coaching suggests someone who cares enough to get involved by encouraging and developing others who are less experienced. Employees who work for developers know that they can take risks, learn by making mistakes, and winning in the end. Integrators orchestrate the many activities that take place throughout an organization by providing a view of the future and the ability to obtain it.
Success can only be achieved when there is a unity of effort. Integrators have a sixth sense about where problems will occur and make their presence felt during critical times. They know that their employees do their best when they are left to work within a vision-based framework. CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM Introduction The subject of administrative leadership styles has been an important consideration in the study of the role of the principal . In recent years great emphasis has been placed on the leadership aspects of the principals role .
However, amid this growing body of knowledge, very little has been written on principals in native schools . In view of the strong thrust for local control of native education and the centrality of the principal in native schools and native communities, a study of the leadership style of principals in the native school system could be an important undertaking . The principal is the key administrator at the local level in the native school system . His/her leadership styles and managerial skills are important aspects in improving the quality of education of native children .
It is with this in mind that this study was designed to investigate the leadership styles of principals from their own perceptions, the perceptions of their subordinates and the perceptions of their subordinates . The principal as a key local administrator, is the connecting link between the school and community in interpreting the needs of its students . The success or failure of the school program is dependent on the quality of leadership of the principal . This idea was substantiated by Alphas and Hoe (1974) when they suggested that : The leadership of the principal is a critical factor n the success of any program in the school .
Knowledge about leadership, therefore, is a prime prerequisite if an individual is to fulfill effectively . The principals role . (p . 176) 1 Fiddler (1967) further expounded on the importance of the quality of leadership when he stated : There is a widespread and probably justified belief that the success or failure of an organization is determined in a large part by the quality of its leadership . (p . 235) Citizens everywhere are demanding and exercising a stronger voice in administration and operation of their individual schools (Evans, 1 970, p . 3-140) . Nowhere has this challenge been more keenly felt than in the native schools in Saskatchewan where pressures have created a need for stronger local control, leadership and management. In view of these developments, the findings of leadership studies and the lack of studies on leadership styles of principals in native schools, this study was designed to describe the leadership styles of principals of native schools . For introduction Each one of us wants to become a leader for the reason that we want to become superior to them and be respected.
Being leader and a superior is retreat fulfillment to our self for the reason that we have power to control over things and demand of whatever we want and most of all we gain respect from the others. But we must put in our mind that being a leader is not an easy obligation to every one. The essence of being a leader is to go down to their subordinates and listen to them in order for them to inspire in working. As a leader they must see to it that they are approachable and available all the time to their subordinates. To become an effective leader, a leader should possess some skills in managing their people.
These skills include immunization, trustworthy and confidence. Where in proper communication the leader must provide clear instructions to their subordinates and provide some insights about the nature of their work and how they will be able to contribute the progress of their institution or their company. Good leaders are not born, they are made. Leaders must undergo a process of thorough self examining, education, training and experience. These processes will help the leader to make their subordinates in determining their work and become focus in everything they do.
In these processes the teamwork will be enhanced. The adders must also know and aware of some specific things in order to make him an effective leader. A leader is different from being a boss, where being a leader his follower will aim high to achieve the goal while being a boss the subordinates will become intimidate and not able to give their best. Leadership is applicable to all aspects as long there are group that are working together. A group must have a leader in order to have there is a systematic floe of organizations.
In applying effective leadership into a certain institution like managing or running a school, there must be a leader who will guide the people n every thing they do and to have a systematic outcome. In a school setting, leadership is very important for the reason that they are molding the next leader. In achieving to have effective leadership skills, the headmasters must be capable enough in handling their subordinates. Where the headmasters must be approachable and available at all time moreover being a leader they should segregate the information to their subordinates having clear instructions.
With this proper communication, the subordinates will be able to give their best. For instance, if there is conflict arising between of their subordinates it an easily fix through a proper counseling in that case it will not become bigger. Furthermore, if there are any complaints from the students it can easily figure out. With regards to this situation the subordinates will be competing with each other but instead they are working as teamwork. Thus, through an effective leadership it will make the subordinates to become responsible and independent to work their job.
Having an effective leadership of a certain management it attracts lots of competent people applying in different position, in this case it will uplift the standard of an institution that there are lots of people ill be trusting them and gain respect which is a fulfillment of being a leader where we can learn a lesson that is worth to keep. Read more: http://pithiest. Typed. Com/term_paper_topics/2008/07/thesis- states-4. HTML#sizzle specifies Leadership Traits Leadership traits are the characteristics that leaders possess that enable them to lead effectively.
I’m going to run down 20 of the traits I believe are most important, it’ll be interesting to see how many you feel you already have, and which ones you’re still working on. Leave a comment below to let me know. The Top Leadership Traits 20. Patience – A good leader needs to show their employees that they’re willing to give them as much time as necessary to see them perform. A manager who roughly attaches arbitrary deadlines onto tasks and aggressively chases employees up will only antagonist and stress their workforce. Good leadership management is about waiting as well as acting. 9. Continuous Development – Smart people have always sought out useful leadership books and learning material that will help them along the path to happiness and leadership. Most these days tend to be rather disappointing, but one brilliant idea that has gently captured my attention is The Ultimate Leadership Guide which contains all the core teachings of 30 top leadership books, which is simply an essential ‘crash course’ in the principles you need to know to further your career and even find happiness in other areas of your life! 18.
Graft – A brilliant leadership trait is the trait of grafting. There’s a simple rule that most good leaders follow – always do the nastiest job yourself. While being able to delegate dire tasks to others is one of the perks of management, t is important that employees never actually question your dedication to work hard. By simply doing the famously nasty job yourself each year, your staff will never have a doubt over whether it’s fair you have the ability to delegate menial work. 17. Fairness/Equity – Fairness is one of the key criteria by which employees measure their superiors.
Quite simply, if you don’t behave in an equitable manner at all times, you will lead no more than a rabble of reluctant workers, and will never gain their respect. Fairness is one of Herrings ‘hygiene’ factors from his popular leadership theory. This means that if you are fair, employees will not be inherently motivated, but merely content. If however you act unfairly and break the rules, employees will be denominated. Very little upside if you possess this trait but large potential negative effects on motivation if you lack it. Its a tough world, but the message is clear. 16.
Modesty – An important note to remember is that in every team you lead, some will be envious of your job or position. These people are also often the most active, ambitious and productive members of the group, so it’s extremely important that you keep them onside. By being modest and humble, you minimize the potential for jealousy within the team, and inspire warmth and affection instead. 15. Appreciates Quality – Simple put, a good leader recognizes that quality is the most important gauge of the work done. Always. A culture that cares little for quality will denominate employees and reduce job satisfaction.
Staff must be able to feel good about their work and their skills. 14. Sense of Humor – A practical reality for most leaders is that you’ll spend an awful lot of time in meetings or speaking in public. A good sense of humor helps to put across the message you want to convey more effectively and help smooth over awkward or tense moments in board meetings etc. 13. Wide Outlook – A DOD leadership trait is to be able to take a step back and take a look at the big picture. This is really one the main purpose of a leader, but so many managers instead choose to get bogged down in small decisions that should really be taken care of by someone else.
While everyone is cleaning the deck and preparing the sails, somebody has to be looking where the ship is going. 12. Adaptability and Flexibility – A clear fact in life is that many things you enjoy will change, and many things you despise will quickly improve. As a leader, you must be able to cope with negative change, and also be able to quickly grab opportunities s soon as they appear. Less hesitation, and more asking the question “k, so how can I make the best of this situation”. 11.
Human Understanding – A leader that can understand their employees and really be able to emphasis with the workforce or team as a whole will ultimately be a far more effective leader. Only by being able to put yourself in the shoes of your employees will you be able to make decisions that will enthuse and motivate your staff. 10. Clarity – Job roles and positions within companies can sometimes be at best – a complete mess. Business leadership is about separately and clearly identifying those roles ND responsibilities and ensure that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing. 9.
Charisma – The skill of oratory has been perfectly demonstrated recently by Barrack Beam’s surge in popularity en route to the white house, and his continued popularity now that he has gained office. The ability to speak confidently and with meaning is a rare one, and carries much merit for those few who posses it. Increased influence and persuasion is just one of the positive benefits of being a leader with charisma. 8. Ability to Delegate -As I mentioned earlier, delegation is one of the perks of being promoted to a leadership position. Why is it then that so many leaders fail to delegate enough?
Why do they continue to ‘meddle’ in small, trivial matters, and refuse to give subordinates the real responsibility and confidence to be able to make their own decisions? The answer is because it’s a lot harder than you’d think to be able to properly delegate control to someone else. Especially the control over a job you’ve been doing yourself for many years. By undermining your subordinates ability to make decisions independently, you’re being a poor leader. That’s why the ability to delegate is one of my top 20 traits. 7. Calmness – Calmness is a leadership trait that again we could do with learning from President Obama.
One of the most common pieces of praise I hear from President Obama is how he has stayed so calm under pressure. With the recession, middle east conflict and recent fiasco such as Swine Flu, Piracy and torture memos – it has sincerely impressed many that this man has been able to keep his composure and present a solid front. Any leader that can achieve this will instantly earn respect. 6. Ability to Listen – The fantastic leaders thorough history were also good listeners. Drawing upon the expertise and ideas of all those around you will improve your decision making. It follows that leaders who listen well simply make better decisions. . Confidence – Confidence flows through a team just like cheerfulness or a hardworking attitude. If the leader shows hesitation, self-doubt, or a lack of ambition, it will infect the rest of the team. Enthusiastically following an unconfined will really test employees attitude, and this is something you don’t want to be doing. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to enthusiastically follow your lead. 4. Consistency – This is a similar point to fairness. If you fail to be insistent with your attitude, decisions or behavior, you will be causing unrest in your team. 3.
Approachability & Friendliness – While many managers dream of being a superior and ‘feared’ leader, the most effective type of leader is an approachable one. A leader who an any employee can feel like they could have a conversation with will be able to hear about what the quiet dissenters have to say, or what the ‘real’ results of their latest initiative was. 2. Passion and Motivation – It goes without saying that a leadership trait that will be admired is your passion for what you do. Whatever your role, people will respect the fact hat you take pride in your work, you enjoy it, and that you will therefore try your hardest to succeed.
Passion and motivation will always trump formal leadership training or leadership coaching. 1. Trustworthiness – Ethics and trust has to come right at the top of the most important leadership traits for one simple reason. Nobody will obey, follow, or be inspired by someone they distrust. A good reputation, likeability and respect will be absolutely impossible if you’re labeled as a liar. Regardless of their own mall-practices, people will never be able to associate with an untrustworthy character.