Leadership

A LEADER does not need the most experience or best idea in the modern workplace, with leadership also described as taking a stand for what you believe in and generating space for people to think and act differently to create new results.

If you practise key leadership attributes in your day-to-day activities, you can make your move to the top of your food chain.

1. LISTEN

The key to getting other people to listen to you is for them to believe you are listening to them.

Altitude Performance Solutions Leadership coach Dean Evans says "truly" listening to members in your team is one of the greatest leadership skills.

"Good listeners come across as genuinely interested, empathetic and concerned to find out what's going on," he says. "All great leaders have great communication skills."

Create an environment among your colleagues in which problems can be discussed and solutions found and you will stand out from the crowd.

2. DON'T BE AN EXPERT ON EVERYTHING

Leaders often are proficient in an area but those who believe their view and opinion is the "be all and end all" soon lose the attention of the people they want to lead.

"They believe it's better to tell someone what to do or even to do it themselves than give their team the opportunity to develop their own solutions and therefore exercise their creativity," Evans says.

To take the step to be a leader, get the support of your team. Let others put forward suggestions, contribute and support them in their good ideas and they will want to support you.

3. BE CONSTRUCTIVE

Negativity breeds negativity, believes Evans. Being able to provide constructive criticism to others will paint you as someone who encourages and supports others and people will want to get behind you.

4. HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR

"People perform better when they are enjoying themselves," Evans says.

Take the lead by taking the dullness out of the work day. "This does not have to create a flippant atmosphere. Quite the contrary, it is a tenet of team-building," he says.

5. GET THE TIMING RIGHT

"Sometimes leadership may be no more than having a poignant message for a receptive audience at an opportune moment," Evans says. "The right arrow aimed at the right target at the right time.'' Influence, motivate and inspire.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/worklife/five-steps-to-become-a-leader/story-e6frfm9r-1226317628980#ixzz1qyT5huwF

I like the 1st and the 5th. Indeed being a leader one does not have to have the highest education level, the most skills or the one who knows everything. Leadership skills is quite distinct with those of geeky nature (like djarum black as of that of other smokes). Not everyone has it.

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