A leader must have a certain set of qualities that distinguish him from other people. Leadership qualities are usually understood as those that contribute to the formation of a person in this status and ensure the effectiveness of the performance of their functions. There are four key groups of leadership qualities: psychological, business, physiological and intellectual.
Instructions
Step 1
It is believed that a leader must have a pleasant appearance, voice, good health and high efficiency. Researchers found a relationship between height and leadership, and found that tall people were more likely to be. But it cannot be said that all leaders in world history had good external data. On the contrary, many of the leading leaders could not boast of them. Psychologists explain this by the need to overcompensate for their physical disabilities and childhood grievances, which makes such people strive for power. Examples are Napoleon, Stalin, Roosevelt, Lenin, Hitler.
Step 2
Another group of qualities is business and personal. The traits necessary for a leader include responsibility, organization, independence, the ability to create a team, initiative, communication skills, honesty, decency, etc. A leader must take an active life position and be able to guide people along with him. One of the most important qualities of a leader is purposefulness. At the same time, he is characterized by a holistic self-concept (understanding of his place in the world and purpose), as well as self-confidence.
Step 3
The leader is characterized by a high degree of responsibility for what is happening and the ability to represent and defend the interests of the group. He is not inclined to shift the blame for what is happening to other people, or to external forces. The leader must be fair and objective, because he serves as the coordinator of group activities.
Step 4
The leader must be able to find a common language with other people, i.e. have an extroverted focus. It is difficult for introverts to take this position, but they often do not seek positions of power. The ability to communicate with people is simplified into three key components: the ability to listen, the ability to simply and concisely express yourself, and the ability to persuade.
Step 5
A leader is characterized by a high level of intelligence and a broad outlook. At the same time, he should not significantly surpass his followers in intellectual level, or at least not show it. The intellectual qualities include a sharp mind, originality, education, prudence.
Step 6
An important quality of a leader is the ability to build a team based on shared values and ideals. Without this, the effective activity of the group is impossible. The leader must be able to distribute authority among the members of the group.
Step 7
The leader has a high level of self-discipline. The importance of this quality is due to the fact that it is a strong will that helps to focus oneself on the right things and clearly follow one's guidelines. A leader should always engage in self-development and work on himself.
Step 8
There is a theory according to which leaders are assessed in terms of three points - strength, activity, and attractiveness. The significance of this or that component depends on the society that the leader represents. For example, for Russia traditionally great importance is given to the criterion of strength, while attractiveness fades into the background.
Step 9
Theories that prioritize the personal characteristics of a leader are called trait theory. They were designed to reveal the set of qualities that make a leader such. But over time, the list of leader's traits became so wide that it came close to the psychological portrait of an ordinary person. Studies have shown that the personal qualities of a leader, although they are important, do not guarantee a person's achievement of a high status in society.
Step 10
Modern leadership theories associate the achievement of his status not only with the qualities inherent in a leader, but also with the influence of the external environment. Those. in different situations, this or that person can become a leader. Some researchers even believe that the leader is just a puppet of followers and do not recognize his independence.
