Many great lawyers, engineers, bankers and accountants are promoted simply because their functional skills and expertise are outstanding. Their movement up the ladder can be difficult, because the requirements get more demanding. In a managerial position, a person has to be able to inspire and lead others. People who work in these positions are much more visible and exposed than they were previously.
According to an article published on the management-issues.com website, there are two types of leaders. This distinction is made on the basis of motives and behavioral characteristics of each of the two types. Lets see what these types are, and also what the characteristics are of real leaders.
Safe leaders
They are afraid of losing their position and the status associated with it. That’s why they play it safe and dislike risk. During their tenure there are not many attempts to challenge current settings or to innovate. Safe leaders focus on micro-managing in the short term.
Real leaders
These are the true leaders. They have the courage to accept their own accountability, they are able to make tough decisions and they are willing to create a road map for a better future. The good news is that skills that real leaders posses can be nurtured and developed.
Creating visions
Leaders have to be able to communicate their visions to the team. Leaders should be proactive and become visible by introducing plans for future.
Choosing the right goals
These goals should be aligned with their vision and have to express “how the things should be“ rather then “what to do“.
Feedback that promotes development
An impactful feedback process should be adopted, more than a mere once a year review.
Finding ways of having a voice
Real leaders are able to approach and affect the most senior leaders of the company in order to be able to shape key decisions.
-jk-