Leading from the front

THE line between being a good leader and a good manager is blurred and subtle. There is a considerable difference between managing and leading. A common misconception is that a good manager is a good leader. A good manager excels at getting things done by effectively managing processes, time and resources to obtain the desired results.

A good leader on the other hand excels in inspiring people to do their best. Management needs inspiring and motivating people. A manager can try to be a great leader just as a leader can be a great manager. While being a good leader is not easy, the characteristics are easy to recognise:

Vision: History's greatest leaders were visionary men. Men who could visualise the future clearly and simply. They lay emphasis on what will be rather than what is. This vision is not just empty words. A leader must state in concrete terms how programs will work, who will be served and what results are expected. This will also show a leader at the helm of affairs, one who understands his organisation and its dynamics.

Focus: While good organisational skills are an asset, the ability to focus is an important aspect. Once an idea has been zeroed on, the focus of a true leader never wavers. Clearly define what is the need of the hour and work towards achieving them. While distractions in the form of personality conflicts will occur, a good leader must see beyond all this to get the job done efficiently.

Risk taking: This does not mean a foolhardy attitude. It implies a learning process whereby a leader learns from the risks taken and the consequent successes and failures. With no risks there can be no growth and only stagnation will ensue.

Trustworthiness: No one will follow a leader who is inconsistent in his own behaviour and belief. An unscrupulous leader may arouse enthusiasm for a while but to give true direction a leader must believe and follow his own ideals first.

Empower: To actually emerge a leader, one must have the ability to teach others to overcome difficulty, accomplish set targets and achieve results--in short empower them to become truly efficient. While the leader maybe good for a successful organisation his employees must also measure up to a standard. If he has to be an efficient leader he must be able to delegate responsibility. Making his group dynamic and result oriented is also a sign of leadership.

A leader's job is not only about motivating people, it has also a lot to do with inspiring people to achieve. While a leader also has to make people come around to his way of thinking, leadership is not propaganda. Sometimes it is a simple word of praise or appreciation, giving due recognition, acknowledging the truth about problems and being clear about the consequences. Above all, good leadership is also about maintaining a healthy sense of humour. This is important since a leader deals with people and not machines.

PAROMITA PAIN

paromita_pain@yahoo.com