Free Essays About Leadership and Other Sample Papers for Inspired Writing

Introduction

Leadership can be simply described as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to work toward the achievement of a common goal which they consider desirable” (Agezo, 2008). Considering this definition, it can be said that the key to successful and effective leadership is dependent on ‘influence’. The main thing about leadership is to get people follow one. Successful leaders are those who make others do things efficiently and achieve the outcome as planned. Their inspiration and guidance make their followers accomplish goals and this is done through consistent development and sustenance of a collaborative relationship at the workplace (Agezo, 2008).

What is Needed to be a Successful Leader?

In the past few decades, psychologists have conducted several experiments and researches to find out the methods that govern leadership and reliably direct others to make changes, give in, and obey. Studies reveal that there are a number of principles that govern influence. The great thing is that this trait can be learnt, applied, and implemented. Some of these principles are commitment, trustworthiness, reciprocity, magnetism, desirability, and colleagueship. It is also expected of leaders to possess the proficiency and capability of solving problems, demonstrate optimism, and display good judgment based on fairness to deal with the workers and any other issues at the workplace. They are also required to demonstrate an attitude that reflects self-efficacy. In short, leaders must have the competence of selling ideas and encourage people motivationally for the support and implementation of their decisions (Agezo, 2008).
A successful leader is one who exercises influence as the essence of the position he enjoys. In simple words, leading can be described as influencing as leaders have the responsibility of shaping others’ behaviors and attitudes so that groups may attain their goals successfully. Therefore, it can be easily concluded that influence plays a major role in leadership. In the same connection, confidence makes a leader more influential. To cut a long story short, the ability of influencing others naturally makes them follow one as a leader. It is not an untold secret that the prosperity of followers heightens under the supervision of effective leaders. Similarly, workers tend to go through negative experiences and consequences under unproductive leadership. For this reason, it is excessively necessary for leaders to influence their subjects in a positive and constructive manner (Agezo, 2008). It needs to be understood that leadership must not be considered a brass ring that can be grabbed with ease. Instead, it is a gift that is presented to a worthy individual by his employees (Thom, 1996). It is also significant to mention that all successful leaders possess creativity, transparency, credibility, and audacity as the four major traits. Such qualities are not practical guidelines for becoming a leader who is successful. In fact, these traits define one’s character. Therefore, in order to become a successful leader, it is essential to understand the mentioned traits and live them boldly. This is because practicing these traits would make one trustworthy and ultimately pave the way to have a successful leading career (Julian, 2002).

Conclusion

In short, there are some extremely important traits that must be possessed by an individual for being a successful leader. In the present times, a leader can thrive if he has the ability of adapting to change by bringing transformation in the contemporary problems into future solutions.

References

Agezo, C. (2008). Influence: An Important Tool For Successful Leadership. Ife Psychologia, 16(02), 260.
Julian, L. (2002, August 26). Four Traits of a Successful Leader. Nation's Cities Weekly, 34.
Thom, B. (1996, November 1). 14 Guides to Becoming a Successful Leader. Public Management, 11.