Question

what are the characteristics of an effective leader? Give an example of an effective leader you know, and explain why and how he or she is effective

Answer 1

Characteristics of an Effective leader:

A leader is a person who directs or leads a a nation, group of people or an organisation. An effective leader possesses the quality of leadership, the capacity of someone tolead others. An effective leader must possess the following characteristics:

* Integrity , accountability and personal qualities : An effective leader should possess the quality of Integrity and accountability, so that they can build the trust of others. Other must have personal qualities of the leader are honesty, humility , empathy etc

* Effective communication: Leaders should maintain effective communication with the followers. He has to share his vision with the followers and should know how to communicate concisely, tactfully and effectively .

* Self awareness: Leaders should have the ability of self awareness. They understand their limitations and strength and they try not to hurt others with their limitations.  

* Delegate effectively: An effective leader should know how to delegate task appropriately according to each person.  

* Empower the followers: Leaders should empower others by providing motivation and inspiration. Allow them to use their authority and autonomy to ask them to share their opinion. Let them have the feeling of acceptance. Challenge them for high aspirations and creativity.

* Decision making capacity: An effective leader should have the quality of Decision making. He should know how to act on situations, especially conflict producing situations. Act wisely in a conflict producing situation, and analyse the pros and cons of each alternatives or solutions, then take the Decision.

* Recognise others: Leaders should recognise others and encourage and appreciate their achievements. It will act as a fuel for tthem for the next work / task .

* Ability to influence followers: Effective leaders can influence followers for good and they should be a good example for the followers and demonstrate the desirable behaviours to them, so that they can follow it.

Example of an Effective leader: Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was a great leader in the history of United States and he possessed most of the qualities of a great leader, who influenced the followers for the best. He was born at Kentucky on February 12, 1809. He became the 16th President of the United States at the year 1861 and was in the position until 1865.

He influenced others with his integrity and the qualities like humility, honesty and the respect for others. He had great determination, persistence , self confidence and courage. He made a history in the humanity by Signing the legal declaration to end the Slavery, that is ' Emancipation Proclamation ' on 1863, January 1st. It was a great achievement of his political career as he could won the war against the evil of Slavery, that made many innocent people to suffer inhumane treatment from other human beings.  

Abraham Lincoln had the great social skills and intelligence . Even though he was not a great public speaker, He had good communication skills so he could tactfully manage even his enemies. He was in the President position, that was a period of crisis in the history of America with many Civil wars. But with his courageous efforts, he kept the nation united from dividing into smaller nations. He managed many situations tactfully , He appointed the rivals as some of the cabinet members in his time .

He was having the quality of self awareness and had possessed the emotional intelligence. He was knowing about his limitations. If gets angry , he used to express his feelings by writing the letter to those persons , but used to keep with him without sending it. He learnt from his mistakes and develop his virtues day by day. He was generous and flexible and used to encourage his people and he continously inspired them with his leadership qualities.