Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify the different characteristics of a good leader. The paper highlights the personal and interpersonal skills needed for a leader. It also discusses the importance of leaders and their responsibility in an organization or the society. Several important skills are highlighted in the paper based on personal philosophy of mine. These involve the choice of leadership and its effect on the members. Personal skill includes relating to others and being able to convince them on a general interest. Aside from this, interpersonal skill is also necessary as it defines a person’s well-being and his core values as a leader.
For me, a leader is important in every society- from a small organization to a whole kingdom or country. It is inevitable that a leader would emerge within a group. The social pressure for an organization to elect a leader, also influences the leader that they need. Though, sometimes I feel that leaders were not elected rather forced to assume the position. Such title would also entail a lot of responsibility not only for the people included in the organization, but also the interest of the majority of the people. It is done either through democratic ways or the harsh sovereignty of dictatorship.
Personally, a mark of a good leader is being open to suggestions, critics and change. With this leadership style, it encourages everyone to contribute to the organization. The responsibility is then shared by each composite unit of the group. I think in a democratic approach would appease everyone with the opportunity to voice out their ideas and opinion. It is the most effective leadership style since it constantly opens itself to better ideas and solutions to the problem. I also think that a great leader must possess a charismatic aura. A person of influence like a leader must be able to convince and move people in the general direction that he intends to do. I believe that charisma is necessary to inspire people to think and act for the common interest. In terms of social skills, a good leader must learn how to be compassionate to others. He/she must learn to understand with different people. The importance of emotion-based characteristics should also be supported with great analytical skills. I also see mental skill as an important trait especially with decision-making. A leader must weigh in different option and analyze their pros and cons. It may also include being well-versed in studying social patterns and economic advantages. Not only that, sharp negotiation skill is also important for a good leader. This is required to preserve the interest of his/her constituents or members. The validity of this characteristic is necessary, especially in running a country or company where it involves dialogues and dealings with others. I consider someone as a good leader if he/she has a good mental health. He/she must be accustomed to a lot of stress and pressure from others to do well. Aside from that, I prefer a leader that has a strong spirituality. Spirituality is not necessarily referring to his/her religious beliefs, but it focused more on the importance of a higher being and the act of goodness. A good spiritual well-being could help alleviate the stress that he/she may encounter because of his position. This practice also fosters a sense of hope that is needed in every decision that he/she makes. Each decision has a drastic effect on every individual belonging to the group, and their fate and lives depend on it.
