The Essence Of Leadership

BY BISHOP AKHALAMHE

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: So many people including the university environments have given their own perception about the definition of leadership. However, the common definition of leadership involves motivating others towards the achievement of a specific goal and leading organization change.

Leadership is about taking risks and challenging the status quo. The U.S academic environment defines leadership as a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common ethical task.

Leadership is a vital management function that helps to direct an organization’s resources for improved efficiency and the achievement of goals.

Leadership is an embodiment of vision and positive plans for the people.

Leadership is an inspiration and illumination guilding others through personal examples and charisma. Leaders motivate others to achieve something new and better. Leadership is the act of moving from a comfortable command and control to the uncomfortable requirements to become empowerer, facilitator and educator.

Imagine a world without leadership, there would be no motivation for people to achieve goals.

TYPES OF LEADERS
Leaders are divided into the following:

1. GOOD LEADERS: These are servant leaders. These kind of leaders are not common in Nigeria.
2. BAD LEADERS These are self oriented leaders. These kind of leaders are egocentric and selfish.
3. UGLY LEADERS:These are dictators.

TOP CHARACTERISTICS OF A GREAT LEADER

1. A great leader is vision oriented. He has a clear idea of where he is going.
2. Courage: Having courage means that you are ready to take risks in order to achieve your goals.

3.integrity: Great leaders must have integrity. Ability to harmonize action with words.

4. Humility: Humility makes you a More effective leader. Good leaders put their ego in check.
5. Good leaders are focus.
6. Effective communication with the people creates an open dialogue. Communication is another top quality.

7.Honesty: Great leaders are honest people. Honest leaders do not receive electorates with fictitious promises.

8. Empathy: Good leaders show empathy and kindness.

According to John Quincy Adams, ” If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, you are a leader.

GREAT LEADERSHIP STYLES

The following are amazing leadership styles that should be adopted by a good leader:

1. The participative or democratic leadership style should be adopted by effective leaders who sincerely desire change.
2. Servant leadership style.
3. Task leadership style
4. Relationship oriented leadership style.

Leadership helps people to perform to their maximum potential to achieve organizational goals or objectives. True leadership is for the benefit of the people not the enrichment of the leaders. It provides motivation for people to achieve goals and task.

I just want a better Nigeria

DR BISHOP AKHALAMHE
Accounting scholar, Educationist, resource person, Author of many Books, Research fellow, strategic business management expert, convener, New Edo Group, two time former Governorship candidate and chairman, Zenith Labour party, Edo state.