subject: Talking About The Qualities Of An Effective Leader [print this page] Leadership is hard and it takes a lot of effort and consideration. This is true in formal capacities as well as in informal groups or volunteer organizations. To be a leader is exhausting because the leader is always on. They are in charge 24-hours per day.
A lot or required of leaders, both physically and mentally. They have to be compassionate with their subordinates while also being decisive and firm. They have to be able to function without the usual guides given to most of use.
A leader has to be dynamic while also remaining calm even when the stresses of the moment threaten to break them like a stick. They have to be ideologically flexible while also being able to fall back on a set of beliefs to inform them of what to do when they don't have all the information of a given situation.
Leaders have to contend with all sorts of different situations at different times. These differing situations require them to behave in different ways depending on what exactly is happening. This is hard to do, but leaders have to do it.
A leader has to always decide what is best for the group or organization and stand behind their own convictions and not run away like a frightened mouse whenever a difficult situation calls on them to issue a difficult order or decision. They have to focus on the mission at hand.
The very best leaders are open minds and flexible while also maintaining an open door so they can hear out the ideas and complaints of their underlings. They have to listen, but they also have to be steadfast. They need to know and believe in the validity of their position without being swayed every time somebody comes up with a complaint or an altering viewpoint.
Leaders, finally, have to have opinions. And then they have to stand by them even when they may not be popular or well-informed. They have to be able to stand up to opposition without backing down. This is the essence of what it means to be a leader.
If you are leader, remember these things. Keep an open mind but also stand fast to what you know to be the correct answers. But also know when to be open-minded about your determinations.
