World Certification Institute – WCI | Global Certification Body World Certification Institute (WCI) is a global certifying body that grants credential awards to individuals as well as accredits courses of organizations.
As somebody said, ‘The great leaders are born’, their leadership quality justifies their in-born ability. While some are born- leaders, others learn how to develop or refine the leadership potential. Being an effective leader is a unique process that involves several qualities to be learnt, and eventually it leads to the path of success.
“The person who exhibits leadership is … someone that makes things happen that would not happen otherwise” (A.D. Edwards and D. Jones).
Qualities of an effective leader:
1. As leadership is a combination of skills, knowledge, behavior and values, a successful leadership depends upon how well the leader’s qualities match the values of different groups. Only a well organized and committed leader can fulfill the true requirements of its organization. He should have general awareness about the functioning of an organization, its business plans and the objectives.
“Recognizing strengths and compensating for weaknesses represents the first step in achieving positive self regard” (Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus).
2. While an effective leader should have a good understanding about its organization, he should also understand his or her strength and weakness. This will help a leader in hiring the people, who will compliment his work. If the leader is honest toward his abilities, his team will definitely reflect his true nature in its work.
3. Good leadership is perceived through understanding the people’ perspective. It helps them to communicate more effectively with their employees. Along with effective communication, the person should be a good listener too. A true leader not only tells but also feels; the true feeling of his people.
“Successful leaders, we have found, are great askers, and they do pay attention” (Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus).
4. A successful leader cannot achieve his goal alone; a true leader should work in a team environment. He should be in touch with his group members, should be ready to act through technical assistance, and should provide emotional support.
“The few projects in my study that disintegrated did so because the [person] failed to build a coalition of supporters and collaborators” (R. Moss Kanter).
5. An effective leader should develop the vision of future of its organization. He should communicate the vision to the members of its organization, thus helping them be a part of success of organization. As the success to a particular goal is a joint effort in an organization, the leader’s organization will grow by forming commitment to this vision.
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world” (Joel Arthur Baker).
6. An effective leader should be a risk taker as well as an innovator of good ideas. He should be the motivating force for generating new ideas, thus actively supporting them and encouraging the actions.
“Leaders are pioneers – people who are willing to step out into the unknown” (Olle Bovin).
7. An effective leader should be aware of current industry trends and other relevant information that is important for the organization’s success.
8. He or she should have sustainable thought to act effectively and ability to inspire other people.
9. And last of all, he should be true to himself.
Source: WCI
