Personal leadership qualities
Developing personal leadership qualities starts with having a personal vision statement. When Harvard university in1976 wanted to know how many of its graduating seniors had written visions statements only 7% said that they have vision statements. That means 97% did not write their vision statement. By 1986, the 3% who had written their vision statements were worth more than the wealth of the 97% combined.
1. First, take time to honestly evaluate yourself. Write a short and concise personal vision statement indicating what you want to create for yourself and those around you. What leadership goals do you want to accomplish and by which time? (Be specific with time frame – in three years or five years) Your personal leadership vision statement should be viewed as a development strategy written in the present tense.
2. Spot your areas for development. As a leader you have to engage employees to make sure their commitment, motivation and competence. Hence you must know your strengths and weaknesses. Honestly ask yourself questions to know whether you appreciate others’ perspectives and opinions? , able to communicate with others effectively? , your deficiencies in professional competencies etc.
3. know your value system. Values are principles, standards or qualities that an individual or group of people hold in high regard. These values guide the way we live our lives and the decisions we make. A value may be defined as something that we hold dear, those things/qualities which we consider to be of worth. A ‘value’ is commonly formed by a particular belief that is related to the worth of an idea or type of behaviour. Examine your value system of commitment, integrity etc.
4. Commit yourself to lifelong learning. If change is constant, then learning must also be continual. As long as you are learning you are on the road to an exciting, fulfilling, meaningful life. Learning helps you feel as though you are moving with the ever-changing world. This helps to relieve your anxiety of feeling left behind. We feel better because when we're learning we are moving with the world.
5. Respect others as individuals. Understand each member you work with. Each person is unique· Everyone expects something different: recognition, a chance to learn, a chance to work with other people, etc.
6. Be creative. A successful leader thinks of new and better approaches to old ways of doing things.
7. Delegate responsibilities. Delegation gives you space and time to review your progress.
Of course there are other personal leadership qualities. If you could practice the above your success rate increases.
