NAME : LOIS IZAKA
ID NUMBER : 08-985684x34
COURSE : THE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP
LECTURER : MR MADAMBA
QUESTION : OUTLINE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER.
SUBMISSION DATE : 18 FEBRUARY 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Statement of purpose 3
Definition of key terms 4
Introduction 5
Body 6-8
Conclusion 9
Reference 10
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Leaders possess a unique set of skills, traits and qualities that enable them to
inspire others to work towards a shared objective, this can be done by a leader
who has good qualities, hence this essay serves to outline the good
characteristics of a leader.
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DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
Leader: It is someone who guides, directs and influences others to
achieve the same goal or vision.
Characteristics: these are a distinctive qualities, traits or features that
define and describe a person, object or concept.
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INTRODUCTION
A leader is an individual who guides, directs and influences others to achieve a
common goal or vision. Leaders possesses a unique set of skills, trades and
qualities that enable them to inspire, motivate and empower others to work
towards a shade goal. Characteristics of a good leader include communicative,
emotional intelligence, integrity, humble and respectful.
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BODY
A good leader is a visionary, he or she has a clear understanding of the
organization’s purpose, goals, and values. They can inspire and motivate others
to towards a shared vision. A visionary leader is able to think critically and
strategically about the future. A good leader is communicative or has good
communication skills. Effective communication is key to successful leadership.
A good leader listens actively and responds thoughtfully. They communicate
clearly, concisely, respectfully, taking into account about the future. He or She
also take or listens to other people’s views.
Another characteristic of a good leader is emotional intelligence. Emotional
intelligence refers to a leader’s ability to recognise and understand emotions in
themselves and others. A leader with high emotional intelligence is able to
manage conflicts effectively and create a positive work environment. They are
also able to empathize with others and provide support when needed.
Furthermore, a good leader has a good character of integrity. Integrity is
essential for building trust and incredibility as a leader. A leader with integrity
acts with transparency, honesty, and accountability. They demonstrate strong
moral principles and ethics, and are consistent in their words and actions. A
good leader should be decisive, they are able to make informed, timely and
decisive decisions. They weigh options carefully and consider multiple
perspectives, decisive leaders are also able to adapt to changing circumstances
and adjust their decisions accordingly.
A good leader is collaborative. Collaboration is essential for achieving common
goals. A collaborative leader fosters a culture of team work and open
communication. They encourage feedback, idea-sharing, and mutual support
among team members.
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A good leader is adaptable, adaptability is critical in today’s fast paced and
ever-changing business environment. An adaptable leader is able to adjust to
new circumstances, challenges, and opportunities. They are open to
innovation, experimentation, and learning from failure. A leader should be
empowering. An empowering leader delegates effectively and provides
necessary support. They encourage growth, development, and autonomy
among team members, empowering leaders also provide feedback, coaching,
and mentoring to help others improve.
Another characteristic of a good leader is accountability. Accountability is
essential for building trust and credibility as a leader. An accountable leader
takes ownership of their mistakes and learns from them. They also hold
themselves and others accountable for results and outcomes. A good leader is
also resilient, resilience is a critical for coping with stress, adversity, and
uncertainty. A resilient leader demonstrates perseverance and determination
in the face of challenges, they maintain a positive attitude and inspire others to
do same.
A good leader has a strategic thinking type of a character. Strategic thinking is
essential for making informed decisions and driving business results. A
strategic thinker consider multiple perspectives, weighs options carefully, and
thinks critically about the future. They are able to align their decisions with the
organisations ’overall goals and objectives. A good leader is a coachable leader.
Coach-ability is essential for continuous learning and improvement. A
coachable leader is open to feedback, coaching, and monitoring. They
recognize the value of continuous leaning and self-improvement.
Another characteristic a good leader is authenticity, this is essential for
building trust and credibility as a leader. An authentic leader is genuine,
sincere, and true to themselves and others. They are transparent, honest, and
consistent in their words and actions.
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A good leader has a respectful type of character. Respect is essential for
building strong relationship and creating a positive work environment. A
respectful leader treats others with dignity, respect, and empathy. They foster
a culture of inclusively and diversity.
Lastly, a good leader should be humble. Humility is essential for effective
leadership. A humble leader recognize their limitations and is willing to ask for
help. They give credit to others and celebrate their success.
According to DR E.H Guti, ability to lead others is from what you do day to day
to lead yourself because you cannot what you are not. True leadership must be
for the other followers not the leader. A great leader is one who makes us feel
bigger when we are with him. Leadership must be close enough to relate to
others but far enough ahead to motivate them. One is the tests of leadership is
the ability to recognize a problem before it happens, hence a leader should be
influential.
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. A leader
must live with the people to know their problems and live with God to solve
their problems. A leader takes people where they want to go, but a great
leader takes people to where they do not necessarily want to go, (DR E.H
GUTI), hence a leader should have vision.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, characteristics of a good leader include authentic, respect,
humbleness, respect, integrity, emotional intelligence, resilience, humility,
collaboration.
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REFERENCE
1) THE ART OF LEADERSHIP , ( DR E.H GUTI)
2) NOW AM AN ELDER , (DR E.H GUTI)
3) LEADERS EAT LAST , (Simon Sinek) 2014
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