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Practical Steps to Success #14: What Makes a Good Leader?

April 16, 2014

Practical Steps to Success #14: What Makes a Good Leader?

I attended a course last week about Leadership and the question was posed, “What makes a good leader?”

It is nearly impossible to answer this question with only a few words.

Taking on a leadership role is also taking responsibility for our actions, regardless of our job position. We are all accountable for the quality of leadership we choose to adopt.  Many young mangers and department supervisors are rising stars seeking quality mentors to refine their leadership skills. Leadership styles can be mimicked, and then modified, as maturity and learning progress. With enough desire, practice, feedback and coaching we can all learn to lead successfully.

Many influential people are seen as better leaders, but can this always be true? Leaders can evolve in many forms through music, science, dance or a social cause, not necessarily with the same set of skills needed to run a corporation.  It is tough to classify levels of leadership and then what makes them all a good leader. Some people use their charisma to sell materialistic items, endorse restaurants and such to persuade the general public. Is that good leadership, or good marketing?

There are many more qualities to consider that can portray a good leader.

• A good leader also includes having the ability to be led by others.
• A good leader will listen to other points of view and be open minded enough to embrace new thoughts and ideas –and find the right people to do the task.
• A good leader is instrumental to engage with others, think of the impact their decisions motivation towards others will have.
• A good leader has a progressive mindset to guide and mentor the next generation.
• A good leader is humble; knowing when to speak up and when to ‘let it play through’ in order to teach others.
• A good leader can make the difference between leading our next generation into a better world, or not.

In feng Shui, respect and leadership is all about the ancestors. It is about having foresight to guide the next generation and leave a legacy that others can build upon. It is about vision, commitment and integrity; no different from the expectations in our western world.

If we are motivated to lead, we need to continue to learn to be a better leader. What is your vision? Who will benefit from your leadership today?

All the best for continued success, Kathryn

 

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Kathryn of Kathryn Wilking Designs is an Author and Feng Shui Consultant. Her recent book; Practical Feng Shui for the Office, is available in e-book and paperback. Check out amazon.com, indigo.com or iuniverse.com

There are more Practical Solutions for Life at kathrynwilking.com

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