Evaluate your own leadership potential.
Some people would argue that there has been a dearth of quality leadership throughout history. This may or may not be true. What is clear that as we progress further in the 21st century, the fast- moving and competitive environment which we face on a daily basis, demands more leadership from more people in both large and small enterprises. In my many years of training, I have noticed a number of signs that indicate when a person has the potential for leadership.
Here is a checklist you might chose to rate yourself (yes/no) or ask your manager to rate you.
As a prospective leader are you…….
1. Able to accept delegated authority? This characteristic is very much sought after in leadership selection. Do you have the ability to accept a job, handle it, and complete it alone or with limited supervision? Do you have the know-how to perform a delegated task, something outside the routine of daily responsibilities?
2. An informal leader now? Do you lead by example? Even though an” eager beaver” type you do not offend fellow workers with your leadership style. Because of this acceptance by others, you become a team builder and an unofficial leader of the group. Others look to you for advice and assistance.
3. Loyal to the organisation. – Loyalty is dependability at assigned tasks, and a general respect for your organisation. While able to identify problems in the organisation, you take pride in belonging to it, and offer constructive suggestions for improvement.
4. Ambitious – Do you want to get ahead and are willing to pay the price for advancement. Do you set goals and move toward them- even though this may call for overtime?
5. Able to demonstrate a balance of interest in work and in people? – Team players work with and not on people. Do you have patience, an understanding of people, and the ability to encourage others to participate in tasks? This trait must also demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
6. Proficient in social skills? - Advancement means meeting people from different levels and in different areas of the organisation. Skills in diplomacy and listening are critical.
7. Participative in community affairs – this is someone who draws a fine balance between career, family, and community obligations. An organisation’s contribution to the community is called “social responsibility”.
8. Pursuing continuous self-improvement? - This person seeks evaluation of work performance by others, and also takes advantage of any opportunities for self – development by attending training courses and reading.
9. Possess basic integrity – An individual with basic integrity shows careful use of the organisation’s equipment, makes good use of meeting time, and gives credit to others when due. These people are intellectually honest and have the self-confidence to acknowledge when they don’t have the answers.
10. Emotional maturity – EM is a “positive emotional response to inner and outer stress and strain”. Since we live in one of the most stressful times in history this is a prime characteristic for a good leader.
Good leadership is ultimately grounded in good character. Over the years as I train managers, especially new, young managers I say to them “you not only have to be able to adapt and improvise, you have to be able to do so with agility”.
If you are able to tick 8 out of the 10 points then prepare yourself, for the time will come for you to step forward and take your role as a competent, caring leader.
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