Leadership Development

Leadership development could be referred to development to an individual or development for an organization.  Leadership development in an individual means a person or group of people enhancing their leadership skills.   An important skill for leaders is to develop their own learning abilities.

Talking and lecturing on leadership development.  Good leadership requires understanding of others and not showing authority over others.   In earlier days, a leader was considered the highest in an organization hierarchy but today, a leader can lead others and also lead him.    That thought and notion of superiority is slowly getting erased.

Many walks of life requires skills and knowledge  which could be  put in action,  in day-to-day life .For a leader to develop his leadership skills, the following qualities are required :

• Good communication skills:    Every leader should be able to communicate to his subordinates in their line of understanding.  He should be able to communicate effectively to his team without any thought of superiority or commanding /demanding manner.    Leadership development helps a manager to communicate to his team with full authority but still gain the confidence and attention of his team.
• Honesty:  Is very important for a leader.  He must be open and honest with his team members and the management.    He should never stoop to anything that is wrong and loose his integrity. He should have a very fair and just approach in all his doings and be honest with himself, his team members, and the management at large.
• Selecting a good team:   Is important if a leader wants to be successful in his organization.  He should be in a position to select the right type of team members who would be able to support him and substitute which he may lack.  After all a leader is a human being and is bound to have drawbacks and lack of full knowledge that is required.
• Ability to motivate people around:  A good leader should be able to motivate his team and give them rewards in recognition of their efforts.   He should always keep in mind their safety and ensure that his team is not taken advantage of by superiors. 
• Action speaks louder than words:  A good leader should be able to listen to his team members and take appropriate action to see that they are not put to any trouble by others.

Review Questions:

• What is Leadership Development?
• What are the qualities required to be a leader?