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 The
success of any organisation hinges on teamwork. A leader should
have the ability to weld together different people with diverse
skills into a cohesive team, sharing a common vision. Choosing the
right people for the right jobs, recognising each individual's unique
strengths and uncovering the potential of his team members is the
leader's key responsibility. He should have faith in the capabilities
of his people and trust them to put in their best efforts in pursuit
of their goals. He has to mentor, coach and nurture his people to
enable them to overcome their limitations.
A leader should practise what he preaches and
lead by setting an example himself. He must be committed to his
vision and be consistent in his management approach. He must make
it a point to lead from the front and be in the trenches with his
people. At the same time, he should know when to stand back and
let his team implement his vision.
The character of the leader, his values and
principles set the tone for the organisation's culture. His humility,
respect, integrity, openness, fairness and respect for his colleagues
get reflected in the character of the organisation he leads. It
is critical for a leader to maintain a high degree of self-discipline
and consistency in meeting his targets. Only then would he be able
to inspire his team to perform optimally.
The litmus test of a leader is his ability
to manage crisis situations. In difficult times, he has to be realistic,
level-headed, bold and courageous. He needs to constantly motivate
his team members and not let their enthusiasm dampen. He should
have a clear focus and not shirk from taking tough decisions where
called for, even if they prove unpopular.
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