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Personality traits of a leader
How to become a great leader
Personality traits of a leader
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The characteristics of a charismatic leader are, one who is full of self-confidence, they also have a clear vision of the goal they want to achieve, and charismatic leaders have remarkable abilities in communication. This serves to motivate workers through extreme times furthermore help them stay grounded.
One leader who showed exceptional charismatic leadership was Mahatma Gandhi, who is credited for his work till this very day. Was an Indian historical leader born October 2, 1869 he was a blessing in disguise to the Indian nation. Gandhi had achieved monumental achievements in his lifetime. One of them was “Gandhi led a 200-mile Salt March so that the people of India could make and gather their own salt. His goal was for the people of India not to buy salt from the British. The greatest accomplishment of Gandhi was
Nelson Mandala is best known for the man who stood firm and took his nation from the extremes of politically sanctioned racial segregation through to majority rule government. This is why he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1993
Nelson Mandala exemplifies a transformational leadership who motivated his follower’s to exceptional accomplishments. Mandala did this by empowering his followers inspiring them to achieve a common vision through a strong sense of determination and commitment. His ability to influence a country to follow his direction in order to achieve a goal was a really transformational.
The reason Nelson Mandala was an effective transformational leader, was he connected on a deeper level with his followers, and he showed great emotional intelligence. Being a transformational leader is being “a role model and promotes desirable behavior, thus ensuring the respect and trust of followers” (Nielsen & Munir, 2009, p. 313). Mandala was an excellent role model she showed great characteristic that everyone wanted to be like, which resonated in his
Transformational leadership theory emphasizes on how a leader can acquire the ability to affect and motivate his followers to succeed beyond expectations. A transformational leader is one, whose vision for the future motivates and excites his followers. For this reason, a transformational leader is judged according to what he achieves as opposed to his character. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was the least charismatic leader of all the American presidents. However, his use of transformational leadership to develop his agenda and vision was unprecedented. Furthermore, a transformational leader is more likely to be effective in a chaotic environment. Carter was faced with a stagnant economy, double-digit inflation, and oil and gas shortages.
Transformational leadership describes a leader moving followers beyond immediate self-interests through idealized influence (charisma), inspiration motivation, intellectual stimulation, or individualized consideration. Transformational leaders are change agents. They influence the mission and objectives to make way for a brighter future for the organization. Followers are motivated to do more than is originally expected because of their feelings of trust and respect for the leader.
Jim Jones, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gandhi were each charismatic leaders though they were very different in what they preach. They had a gift to touch people’s hearts and change them. This change may not always be welcomed and some may see it as a test of loyalty. However, whether a person likes it or not, there will be a time when the words of another encourages them to stand up, to change, to fight. True power tends to gather around great leader.
Transformational leadership also integrates well with a biblical worldview because both advocate valuing followers as well as leaders, the importance of ethical behavior, the need to forgive and learn from mistakes, and the value of a high moral example. Kouzes and Posner advocate leaders having a “moral authority to lead” (2007, p. 41), practicing personal accountability and working to improve all aspects of their follower’s lives. This others-centered leadership approach fits well in the Christ centered atmosphere of a Christian school.
Transformational leadership can be defined as causing a change in individual and social system. Besides, transformational leaders usually connect follower’s aspirational with the organizational goal and persuade the followers to achieve the organizational goals to satisfy themselves (Tauber, 2012).
I believe that Gandhi was a true leader, referring to the class definition of leader. Gandhi had a clear path and direction which was shared by a number of countrymen, he managed his performance and also measured it by goals, he certainly developed capabilities that helped him reach for his goal; he strongly relied upon his team or group of people and he clearly created values amongst the people that followed him demonstrating his own values.
Transformational leader is considered ethical in nature. Transformational leader helps followers, understand their followers ‘problems and give them solutions to tackle problems. Followers get personally attached with their leaders and do in the same manner as the leader wants. Transformational leader is may a source of employees’ satisfaction and commitment.
There are both leaders and followers in this world, no matter which you are it is undeniable that without the leaders society would fall apart. Leadership as defined in the dictionary is “ a person who guides or directs a group”, although accurate this simple sentence does not give justice to the importance of leadership. People need to be guided and have someone to look up to, and whether you are born with leadership or acquire it the way you utilize it is the most critical. There are and have been many impressive leaders in this world but one who stands out is Nelson Mandela. Born into the Madiba tribe of South Africa a name he would later adopt as his own, he is known for his philanthropy, strong political influence, and being a revolutionist in the anti-apartheid of South Africa. He is such a shining example of ideal leadership not just because of the impact he had but the starkly different way he handled things for his time. He advocated compassion, forgiveness and determination causing him to be the first black president of South African reigning from 1994-1999. His death this december caused grief but also a celebration of the wonderful influential life he enjoyed. This union of people demonstrated how many lives he touched and the vivacious presence he brought wherever he went, which is why he will forever be known as one of the best rulers, one who truly defines leadership in the most veracious of ways.
Another aspect of leadership includes leadership traits such as being influential and inspirational. There also different contexts of leadership, e.g, leading oneself, leading other individuals, leading groups, leading organizations. Some traits that are often associated with being an effective leader include a measure of intelligence, high energy, self confidence, dominance, and a need for achievement. An effective, charismatic leader must lead by example. That leader must be able to know what is going on, the job or task that is being accomplished, and be able to lead the group into performing the task at hand successfully.
Another illustration that makes a leader a great leader is Mahatma Gandhi. He was a man who inspired Martin Luther King Jr. A famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi states, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Also, “Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acqu...
Dubrin, A. J. (2007). Charismatic and transformational leadership. In Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills (5th ed., pp. 83-98). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
The first factor of idealized influence is basically charisma and being a strong role model for followers (Northouse, 2010, p. 177). I view transformational leadership as an end goal on a time line of laizzez-faire, then transactional leadership. Even though transformational is the final and best form sometimes an opportunity to become a heroic leader arises. Charismatic leaders are more likely to grow into heroic leaders as followers are going to like the leader more.
In this style of leadership, the charm of such an individual makes their followers seek their leadership without questioning them. Charismatic leaders are essentially very good communicators. They are able to relate and communicate with their followers in ways that a normal everyday individual would not be able to. Charismatic leaders are not only able to co...
Charismatic and inspirational personality: It is the charisma in the leader which gains very quickly the attention, respect and trust of others. Famous leaders like Martin Luther King and John Kennedy were those charismatic personalities who inspire and motivated their followers only through their charm and charisma.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was an honored world leader for his audacity and intelligence. He had dignity and a beautiful smile, alongside a sense of humor. He was a symbol of democracy and freedom for South Africa. He was known for his fights against racial inequality and atrocious government. He went through many obstacles but successfully overcame them.