Effective Leadership

Effective leadership is based on three aspects. First, effective leaders always tend to invest on their strengths and those of their followers. Secondly, effective leaders understand the needs of their followers and work towards fulfilling them. Finally, it is in the nature of effective leaders to surround themselves with the right people and to maximize their team. With these three aspects of leadership, a leader works on the most valuable areas of the company and followers and creates a team that is infallible.

Focusing on strengths

According to Rath and Conchie (2009) individuals who concentrating on improving their strengths are more likely to succeed than those attempting to work on their weaknesses. Rath and Conchie (2009) argue suggests that leaders should strive to ensure that followers contribute to the team in what they are best at. This implies that leaders should focus more on ensuring that the talents of the team are used maximally. They argue that a leader who concentrates on the strengths of his employees builds confidence and consequently enhances team productivity.

Follower needs

Rath and Conchie (2009) argue that followers identify effective leaders as those people who understand their needs. Specifically, people identify effective leaders as those leaders who are more closely attached to their followers. Leaders have a tendency, therefore, to be more considerate. The study states that effective leaders have the elements of trust, hope stability and compassion. Arguably, employees are more likely to stand around leaders they trust. It is also more likely that things are done a lot faster in teams where trust is prioritized. According Rath and Conchie (2009) it is more important for a leader to be trustworthy than for him to be smart. Compassion is also highly valued. For this reason, it is important for people want to be led by peole who care about them. Employee retention is also higher in cases where a leader cares about their employees. Stability is also important in the leadership of the company. It is evident that people want someone who is steady in times of crisis. When a leader is steady, more informed choices are more likely within the organization. Finally, hope enables more devoted contribution towards the goals of the company. A leader who gives a sense of hope gives direction to his followers.

People who surround the leader

Finally, it is important for the leader to be watchful of those people he associates with. Effective teams complement the leader. A great team must be all-rounded. It is therefore imperative that the leader obtains a team that is contributive to the entire team. According to Rath and Conchie (2009) an effective leader explores the contribution of each follower to the team. For a team to be effective, it must meet four criteria. It must be influencing, strategic thinking, relationship building and executing. These four strengths work towards the creation of a more effective leadership. According to the study, it is the role of the leader to ensure that all the four qualities are met. This is done by identifying individuals who have a tendency to contribute to the team through the weaker areas.

In conclusion, an effective leader is one who focuses on strengths, understands the need of his employees and watches out to create a more effective team. Developing these qualities will lead to a more developmental leadership.

References

Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2009). Strengths based leadership. City: Gallup Press.