The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

84 / UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP

Defining the challenge

Understanding leadership

Leaders are made rather than born. And while a real

desire to lead is a prerequisite for leadership, the key

skills you need to lead can be learned. Leadership has

many facets and no simple definition: it is the ability to

inspire and encourage others to overcome challenges,

accept continuous change, and achieve goals; it is

the capacity to build strong, effective teams; and it

is the process of using your influence to persuade

and steer. Leaders set a strong example through their

own life principles; they achieve results but also take

responsibility for failure. A life principle may be a rule,

belief, or moral code that is important to you and

guides your decision-making throughout life.

If you thrive on thinking creatively, inspiring and guiding people,

experimenting with different approaches, and making intuitive

decisions, you are on the way to being a leader. However,

truly accomplished leaders also possess sound analytical

and problem-solving skills.

BE AGILE

To be a good leader, stay close

to your team, and use your

judgment to move between

leadership and management

roles as necessary.

Tip

MANAGEMENT

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