Author –  Mr. Mayank Saigal, An HR Professional associated as a Consultant with a Start-Up in Pune

Member – L&D Global, Pune Chapter

Good Leadership is always part nature and part nurture. Whether you are aware of it or not, you are continually leading yourself and others. The question is “How good are you at it? “The good news is that, with focus and effort, you can improve your leadership skills and get more out of life. Here are some things you might think about in your effort to become a more effective leader.

Have a clear vision of yourself, others and the world. Younger leaders often do not have this clarity and it makes it difficult for them to become great leaders. You should be able to answer these five questions honestly and accurately.

  1. Who are you and why is that important?
  2. What do you really stand for?
  3. What is your life purpose and why is it important?
  4. How and why do you want to lead others?
  5. How do you want to contribute and why is that important?

The answer to these questions will help you formulate a concrete vision of yourself and your place in the world. Self – Understanding is the foundation of all leadership. It will allow you start living your life as the leader – a person who makes their vision a reality – a person who others will follow!

Self-knowledge will help you to understand both your strengths and weaknesses – you can identify gaps in your knowledge – come to understand what you are good at and what you are not good at. Know and utilize your strengths and gifts. Partner with others to compensate for your weaknesses. Remember, you have unique abilities that you were born with and personal strengths developed over your lifetime. Realizing and utilizing these gifts and strengths will you become a more effective leader?

Leaders are either trusted or feared – and it is better to be trusted. People follow leaders that they trust more willingly than those they fear. Their trust comes from the sense that the leader believes and acts according to a moral code – they live in accordance with their morals and values. You should strive for this ideal, if you make choices and take actions that do not reflect your morals and values it will leave you with a nagging, bad feeling – and others will sense this unease. This limits your success in your career and relationships. If on the other hand, you make choices and act in accordance with your moral and values you will succeed almost effortlessly. People sense integrity and will naturally respect your opinion and leadership.

Most People are hesitant to follow leaders with a rigid attitude. They prefer leaders who are positive in their outlook but also practical in their planning and expectations. It is important that you maintain a positive attitude – and it is equally important that you do not become delusional. No one respects a grumpy or negative person, no one trusts a delusional one. With a positive attitude, you are looking at the bright side of your life. People are naturally attracted to you when you have a positive attitude. By Being Positive, you will lead a happier life and find that other positive people surround you.

You must always strive to improve your communication skills. Your ability to communicate clearly and specifically your vision, goals, skills, intentions, and expectations to others is a critical part of your leadership skills. Remember that communication should always be a two – way street. It also includes an ability to listen to what other people are trying to tell you. To become a leader, become a great communicator; continually strive to improve your verbal, nonverbal and listening skills.

Finally, never fall into the trap of thinking that you are in this alone. There are others who have travelled the path that you are on – others who have successfully learned the lessons, which you are seeking to learn. Remember that leadership is something that you can develop – cultivate in yourself. You can do that better if you seek out and actively cultivate relationships with mentors and coaches who can help you progress.

Most people who have travelled these roads successfully are more than happy to give back to those who are just embarking on the journey.

Happy Leading!

Author –  Mr. Mayank Saigal, An HR Professional associated as a Consultant with a Start-Up in Pune

Member – L&D Global, Pune Chapter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayanksaigal