According to Klatt and Hiebert (2001) these are the habits and practices that leaders have. I totally agree with them, and even could be adding some more, but take these as a starting point to assess yourself.
Exercise Iniative. Leaders are proactive, they take full responsibility of their life and don’t go around blaming others. They try to do what they can with what they have, they work in the circle of their influence. They know they can achieve more, if they expand that circle.
Create the Future. Leaders start with the end in mind. They have a clear picture of where they’re moving to, or where they want to be. And that clear image is transfered to their followers, with stories, methaphors, leading by example, and so on… they share that compelling vision of the future with their followers.
Keep Perspective. Leaders know how to stay aligned with the vision. They keep focused on what needs to be done, and has to be done to reach destination. And they help their followers to be focused too. They base their actions on values, not on moods, feelings or trends imposed by others.
Foster Interdepence. Leaders think win-win. They look for agreements and solutions that are mutually benefical to all parties. They look for solutions that “enlarge the pie”.
Show Empathy. Leaders know how to LISTEN. They try to understand first, and then they try to be understood. They practice active listening. They really focus on a conversation and try not to judge the other.
Value Differences. Leaders don’t expect everybody to share their points of view. Instead of that, they really value differences because they see differences as opportunities to new perspectives, ideas and ways to solve problems. They see difference as an ingredient to creativity.
Continually Improve. Leaders continually seek to become more self-aware, and improve in personal life, as well as professional life. They are constantly renewing the physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social dimensions of their life. That renewal is the source of a refreshing attitude and self moving spirit that help leaders move ahead every day.
LEADERSHIP ACTIONS
1. Answer the following questions:
a) What of these 7 practices/habits do you handle the best or “is almost natural” to you?
b) What of these 7 practices/habits you completely or almost lack of?
c) What do you think you can do to improve it?
2. Now you have answered the questions in point 1, start doing what you think you can to improve. Don’t allow a second to go by without taking action. Leaders act, leaders perform. Remember… don’t wait for someone to come and help you out, seek help, look for answers, act, act, act!!!
And Be Alert, Be A Leader. 
Reference:
Klatt, B; Hiebert, M. (2001)
The Encyclopedia of Leadership, 1st Ed.
McGraw-Hill.
15 comments
An excellent article on leadership.
Leaders know how to listen. kindly correct the spellings of know as it is written now in this article.Regards.
Knraja: Thanks for the Correction, I’m glad you liked the article.
- Ken.
quite a good and comprehensive article on leadership. i wish my boss could read it.
It is true that in any conversation, difference in opinions can be an ingredient to Innovation ,creativity and formation of new ideas.Leaders are known to harness this opportunity .
One of the key challenges I had to deal with in my role as head of department in my field was, and still evolving,is the cultural divide,particularly in a foreign country.Perceptions are deceptive,and until one realizes that by dispelling this trait,and all other negative and ill concieved notions, can one really gain the confidence of fellow colleagues, foreign counterparts,in constructive engagement,in any environment,with transparency.
It can be a joyous and rewarding relationship,and your articles can be a recipe,not only in the workplace but beyond that,in creating the environment for a better understanding of our humanity,and the endless possibilities emanating from good relationships,in any situation.
We live,and learn..
I think Leaders should also know that there are leaders among their surbodinates; bearing this in mind, they will always pay attention to whatever anybody has to say then act or not act on it. A good leader, while leading, teaches his followers to be good leaders. He puts himself into the shoes of his followers and that, in turn, makes them obey him because he knows and respects their feelings.
Nice article there, Ken.
CHUKS VALENTINE AUGUSTUS
NIGERIA
Nice article. Pls change the spelling of “responsability” as well
Sara:
I’m glad you liked the article. Thanks for the correction.
– Ken
All is fine. Good Article. Also add “Leaders must keep Eyes and Ears open” at least 16 hours a day. More vision more views…… More you listen more clues……
Nice article.I agre with you.Leader must be like you said that and upwards of this.
‘Seek for help’ is incorrect English, try ‘seek help’ instead. Nice article, mostly reminds of everything Stephen Covey said.
Hey guys, I really appreciate your comments.
Richie^^, thanks for the correction, I’ve updated the article.
It’s good to know the article is useful for you.
– Ken
The article is a good one. It has undertones of Stephen Covey.
very nice and energy boosting article.its very true that one can change their life if they apply leadership skills and follow them sincerely one can achieve what they want in their life.i just hope more people read such articles along with their busy life for making money and good life.
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