There are two forms of leadership – “Leadership by Consent” and “Leadership by Force”. While the former is the most effective which is in sync with the consent and compassion of followers, the later is doomed to failure as it is without the consensus of the followers. The historical evidence is a testimony to the fact that “Leadership by force” cannot sustain. The downfall and desertion of kings and dictators are noteworthy. It means that people will not follow forced leadership forever. The current form of leadership is not at all about the old school of ‘leadership by force’ but about leadership by consent, the only way that can endure throughout.
Wondering what are those attributes that attract followers by consent rather than by force? Here check the essential leadership qualities drafted by experts starting from Napoleon Hill –
Courage
No follower would want to follow a leader who lacks self-confidence or who don’t have enough courage to stand the test of time. So, it is important that a leader is full of unwavering courage and has immense knowledge about the occupation he/she is in.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – NELSON MANDELA
Self-Control
If you cannot control yourself, you definitely cannot control others. A good leader will always set a mighty example to his followers by his characteristic of self-control. Nevertheless, self-control is the attribute of the strong and intelligent.
“Self-control is a key factor in achieving success. We can’t control everything in life, but we can definitely control ourselves.” Jan McKingley Hilado
The Sense of Justice
A leader cannot be biased or prejudiced. He has to have a great sense of equality, impartiality and justice. Without it, a leader can neither gain the trust of his followers nor their respect and unconditional support.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr
Definiteness of Plans and Decisions
A successful leader makes his plans, work on it and discuss it with his crew before shooting the guns. He doesn’t work on guess works but has workable plans for each and every step. Moreover, he/she is the one who is known to take the call, make it quick as well as loud and never look back.
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Is Understanding
No man can have great leadership qualities if he remains indifferent to by his followers. A true leader not only understand his follower’s issues but is also empathetic towards their problems. It is this quality that make him connect to his followers all the more.
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved through understanding.” – Albert Einstein
Authenticity
No leader can gain the trust and support of his followers if he/she go by the concept of ‘wearing the mask’. Leaders with great unconditional support are transparent. They are 100% authentic and do not shy away from being who they are. Yes, no surprises at all!
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet — thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing — consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.” —Lance Secretan
Pro-Active
One of the main attributes of leadership is to be aware all the time and stay pro-active so as to create better insights. No wonder, a person with great insights is seen as an intelligent guy with a vision, but a person with poor insights is looked as an idiot next door.
“It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?” – Henry David Thoreau
Accountability
A true and successful leader is always willing to take responsibility for the mistakes and shortcomings of his followers rather than playing the blame game. A person who shifts the blame can never be called as a leader in the first place. Accountability is one of the main attributes of a leader. Unless a leader takes responsibility, he cannot take the next step to make it right.
“To lead people, walk behind them.” – Lao Tzu
Passion
True leaders are passionate for the cause they believe in! This is the reason why they have the habit of doing more than what is expected from them. History is full of evidence of how great leaders whether in politics, business or social reforms went out of their way to do things correctly. This not only make him/her stand out from the rest of the supporters but also inspire people to follow them religiously.
“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”
— John Maxwell
Leaders are Positive
Taking control of the situation and energizing everyone with positive beliefs to propel them to move forward is the quality of a great leader. A true leader will never weigh his followers down by a negative mindset but is always ready to reassure and motivate them to get going.
“Leaders spend 5% of their time on the problem & 95% of their time on the solution. Get over it & crush it!” – Tony Robbins
