On Being a Leader

If you are a leader, it doesn’t follow that you are already a good one.  We have to analyze first your goals and approach in doing the responsibilities in order for us to determine if you are doing your job very well. I have been a leader  for numerous times before during my academics years and I would say that being one requires a lot of skills. You have to learn every skill possible for the welfare of your followers/members in order to execute the project smoothly and successfully. When I became a Battalion Ex-O during my 4^th year in High School, I learned to become firm and open –minded with the hardships of my Cadets versus the command of my Superiors. When I became a President of Various Clubs and when people are depending on me when there’s a speech that needs to be delivered and piece that needs to be narrated, I learned to speak up and relay the information fearlessly. When I became part of our student publication during my College days, I learned to accept my editor’s harsh comments and write new paragraphs even in times that I am so frustrated. 

I never thought that I could use those experiences of mine to know if that particular person has very good leadership skills or not. I am already outside the academe and I have already seen various approaches in leading. I am so proud to say that I have seen some who are definitely the best and some who holds the worst spot.  Nonetheless, I am still thankful that I encountered both sides as I would really love to use what I learned from them in the future, be it positive or negative.

Being a leader is not just about you as individual, it’s about mentoring and bringing out the best with the people who are depending on your strategy and shield. Well that is my opinion, but we all have our own definition of the word Leadership. Per what we can see on some references, it has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". However, this definition will not be achieved if you don’t have the styles in applying such. Let me give you some styles that you may see on your own leaders:

Autocratic Leadership Style - This form of leadership is quite unpopular especially when it comes to building trust and if you would also want to make friends with your subordinates. Autocratic leadership, means that one person has control over all of the workers or followers. The leader is in complete control and no one is permitted to make any proposals or offer any opinions, no matter how it may benefit the group. This is not a good style if you are handling superb followers who could handle the work themselves. However, if the group is somehow flat or no person is standing up for the team then this style will really help.

Charismatic Style - The Charismatic Leader gathers followers through impression of behavior and appeal, rather than any form of external power or authority. Charismatic Leaders will often center strongly on making the group very clear and different, separating it from other groups. They will then build the image of the group, in particular in the minds of their followers, as being far finer than all the rest. The Charismatic Leader will typically attach themselves firmly to the identity of the group, such that to join the group is to become one with the leader. In doing so, they create an inalienable position for themselves.

Coaching Style of Leadership - A great coach is definitely a leader who also possesses an exceptional gifts ability to teach and train. The Coaching leader clearly defines roles and tasks, but seeks the input and suggestions from the followers.  Decisions are still made by the leader, but communication style is more two-way. The coaching leadership style is most suitable when followers are more accountable, knowledgeable, and agreeable.  The coaching leader directs and guides; including providing encouragement and inspiration to help motivate the followers.

The three styles that I have provided above are just part of so many styles in leadership that you can find. Let me just emphasize that all the styles should point out in achieving the goals not only on the outside but in the core. A good leader is someone who knows what he or she is doing, but if not he/she should know how to get the answer through the help not only of his/her superiors but also from the followers. I know it’s tough to be in that position, but it is tougher though if you are a leader and so many people are opposing on what you’re doing ayt??. Would you want to lead a bunch of unpredictable rebel followers? haha, just kidding.. :D