LIKE it or not, we're all leaders in our own way. We lead our organisation, our family or just ourselves. Hence, we must ask ourselves the question: What type of person do we want to be? Are we the bossy type, or an inspiring one? How do we get others to cooperate and listen to our ideas?
We all want the best engagement with others. However, not everyone knows how to lead. Some are born natural leaders but many aren't. George Kohlrieser, IMD Professor of Leadership and author of Hostage At The Table said, "Five per cent of leadership is genetic, the other 95 per cent is learnt by practice."
This can be both good and bad news. It's good because it gives hope to the "hopeless and helpless" leaders out there. It means that the art of leadership can be learnt and then perfected through lots of practise.
However, it can also be bad news to those who just want to "wing it" through their life journey. It doesn't look good for those who don't want to learn and practise good leadership skills, hoping that it'll come naturally.
LEADERSHIP STYLE
As leaders, we should choose the right leadership style. In the past, leaders tended to rule by fear. For example, as kids, do you remember fearing your father? Because of that, we used to refrain from getting into trouble because we knew that dad would be waiting at home with his fierce look.
That style worked well then but times have changed so much. Today, people are more well-informed thanks to the advent of technology. Ruling by fear may not be so effective anymore. People today are smart and want to be heard. We don't want them to give us the attention just because they're scared of us.
Unknowingly, many people do rule by fear even if they don't care to admit it. For example, they use harsh words to force others to listen. At other times, they use intimidation to get things done their way. They're also quick to blame and scold before analysing the situation.
A better and more harmonious strategy is to move from fear to respect. But how do we gain respect? We must respect them first.
BEING OPEN
We can earn respect by developing a habit of openly discussing matters with others. Be open minded and consider their inputs, ideas, constraints and challenges. Don't make it a one-way street where things are done "my way or the highway".
If we can achieve that, we're on the right track to attain that glorious state of personal leadership. We're no longer the bossy type whom people fear rather than respect. We'll also be more accommodating.
Our tone will be more positive and soothing to their ears. People will be more responsive instead of just reacting. Responsive people solve problems; reactive ones just dodge the bullets for another day.
Such is the power of a great leadership style. Be less bossy but more accommodating. Stop saying "go!", but instead, say "let's go!" That should make us one of the favourite go-to persons around.
Zaid Mohamad coaches and trains others to bring out their best while enjoying a peaceful, purposeful life. Reach him at [email protected].
