What is a leader? A
leader is a multifaceted style that encompasses more than managing people. According to Kevin Kruse in an article for Forbes,
“Leadership doesn’t automatically happen when you reach a certain pay grade.” (What
is Leadership?) It is a learning
experience all its own.
"Leadership scholars define a leader as a person who sets attractive goals and has the ability to attract followers, or constituents, who share those goals. Above all, a leader must be trusted and respected. Trust between a leader and constituent’s opens up two-way communication, making it possible for them to realize their common goals." (Marvin Bower, The Will to Lead)
One of the most important aspects of leadership is good
communication skills. Whether it is
coaching or delivering performance evaluations, leaders need to have the
ability to communicate effectively.
Leadership and communication skills can be taught. The ability to communicate and build teams is
important for emerging leaders to be able motivate groups of people toward a
common goal—the goal of the business.
In an article, Businesses
Don’t Fail – Leaders Do, Mike Myatt writes: ”Why do businesses fail? If
you’re willing to strip away all the excuses, explanations, rationalizations,
and justifications for business failures, and be really honest in your
analysis, you’ll find only one plausible reason—poor leadership.”
In our new course series, Management to Leadership, instructor
Dena Loverde explores the differences between managing people and leading
them. Not everyone is a leader, but with
the skills learned in this course anyone can learn to be one.
Take a sneak peek at the lesson: Leader as Goal Setter, from
the course Defining Leadership which will be posted live on our website: www.knowledgecity.com in the coming
weeks.
