Question

1. What are the characteristics of an effective leader? Give an example of an effective leader you know, and explain why and how s(he) is effective.

Answer 1

Characteristics of an effective leader:

A leader is any person that leads or directs a group, country or an organisation. Leadership is the capacity of someone to lead others. A leader should possess a number of qualities to act as an effective leader. The characteristics of an effective   leader are:

* Self awareness and integrity:   To gain the respect of others, the leader should possess the quality of Integrity. Personality characteristics like honesty, trust worthiness, compassion, empathy etc are the part of Integrity of the leader.  Self awareness also is an essential quality of am effective leader,  so that he can understand his limitations and strengths, that enables him to adapt the changes that he need in his personality.

* Effective communication : Leader should have the ability to communicate effectively . They should communicate clearly, tactfully and concisely to the people. Share their vision to the followers.  

* Ability to influence others : A must have quality of an effective leader is the ability to influence others for good. He has to be an example, so he can demonstrate the desirable behaviours to the followers.  

* Decision making capacity : A leader should have the decision making capacity. In a conflict situation, he should use his ability to analyse the alternatives/ situation to make a best decision.

* Ability to delegate : A leader should know how to delegate the task, that is suitable for each person.  

* Recognise the success : Followers should receive the reinforcements and encouragements from the leaders. Recognise the achievements of the group members and appreciate them . It will be a fuel for them to act as best for next time.

* Empower others: Empower the followers by inspiring and motivating them. Encourage the followers to be creative and challenge them to aim for high goals . Allow them to use their authority and , autonomy , but give the deadlines for the task.

Example of an effective leader: Abraham Lincoln .

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous leaders of all time. He was the 16 th President of the United States of America . From 1861 to 1865, he led the nation with great courage , determination and persistence , at that time the nation was going through the great turmoil of Civil war. But with his great effort, he made the nation to stand in unite without diving into smaller parts .

He was a great leader, who possessed the personal qualities like humility, honesty, courage, Grace and justice . He had the capacity to influence a majority of people. A historical decision and transformation that he made for the country was the Signing on ' Emancipation Proclamation ' to end the Slavery in the country.  

He possessed great social skills and had the ability to mix with others. During the civil war, he showed the courage for forming the cabinet , that include some of the rivals also. He influenced his enemies also with his communication skills, even though he was not a great public speaker. He was a person, who know how to dea with others.  He had the sense of Integrity and loyalty.

He possessed the quality of Self awareness, as he was aware about his mood change and angry, at times. But he tried to make this limitation from hurting others. He had a habit of writing letter to the person, to whom he had angry . In the writing, he will ventilate his angry feelings, but he will not send it. In case of verbal conflict , he used to resolve it very quickly. He was an effective leader for the Nation and people believed his words because he was a honest person, who believed , in what he said.