LEADERSHIP
Are you content being a member of the team, or do you want to be captain?
Are you delighted being a player or do you desire to be a game changer?
Are you better at carrying out instructions or would you prefer to be the one deciding on what needs to be done, and how best to accomplish the task?
Now, it is not everyone who wants to be a leader – it is not everyone’s cup of tea - some just do not have it in him or her and are just not cut out for leadership. They are others who are very happy as they are, and that is fine.
On the other hand, there are several who aspire to become Leaders – the fire burns brightly within them from an early age. A few succeed and others fall by the wayside or remain half-baked leaders for life. That they are not aware of their shortcomings is a different matter altogether.
There is something I have always said – ‘Aspiring to be a leader is fine – however preparation and readiness is key.’
Often, when young people join the workplace, they look at the leaders in the organization and the first thing they say is, ‘How lucky they are’ .
Now let us be frank- Leadership and luck are not synonymous. Yes, there is no denying the fact that there would probably be a certain amount of luck involved – like being at the right place at the right time, hearing about the opening before anyone else, knowing the boss or doing surprisingly well in a difficult interview. Leaders usually never depend on luck, they take advantage of it if they can, but it is not part of their original strategy, it is a bonus.
There are innumerable exemplary leaders, who have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth or have had it handed to them on a platter, and they are very successful too- Good for them.
However, Leadership is a privilege and not a right. It is more about working smart and less about accolades, titles, bonuses and fancy, gold edged, business cards!
The majority of leaders have started from scratch, gone through the grind, risen up through the ranks, failed many times, faced rejection, felt miserable at not being able to make it and then finally one fine day, they have scaled the summit!
I have had the opportunity to be in Educational Leadership for a number of years and this is what I have deduced.
Most leaders worth their salt, have all been good contributors first.
They have proven that they have the expertise, are able team players, and are reliable.
They have exhibited strong people skills and have worked on developing them further.
They have demonstrated that they work well under pressure, are consistent and dependable.
When assigned a task, they deliver the goods and get the job done as efficiently as possible.
They learn to tackle problems as and when they arise, and can either find, or contribute towards finding solutions.
They do not watch the clock, and are always ready to take on new projects, even though they may have to learn from scratch as to what needs to be done.
They lead by example and are proactive and decisive.
They keep it simple- no needless jargon.
They display compassion, empathy and a deep concern for others.
Failure does not scare them.
They are not intimidating in their approach, nor are they unnecessarily confrontational.
They are kind, genial and approachable but no pushovers.
At meetings they are not decorative pieces or just wallflowers – they contribute effectively.
They have warm personalities and people gravitate towards them.
They have a sense of humour and are not afraid to laugh at themselves.
They are thinkers but at the same time, they do not unnecessarily procrastinate.
They speak intelligently & do not shoot their mouth off at every opportunity.
They are good listeners and are known to consider all angles before concluding.
They are always eager and ready to learn.
They are proficient at multi-tasking.
I have always found Leadership to be exciting, challenging & something that keeps me on my toes.
Lastly, it has a lot to do with Service, Humility, Respect, and Gratitude.
