Good Leadership Skills

Leadership is the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of a vision or set of goals. Everyone has the ability to direct, co-ordinate and motivate others. However, a good leader portrays specific characteristics for the benefit of all his/her followers.

A leader should be able to select the most effective communication channels and resolve conflict among members. Do you allow open communication with your followers? Do you consider your followers’ personal problems? Leaders present desirable interpersonal relations, they take a personal interest in the needs of their followers and accept individual differences among members.

In organisations or institutions, the main aim is goal attainment, therefore leaders define and structure their role and those of their followers in search of aim accomplishment. Leadership is the capacity to let followers know what is expected of them, schedule work to be done and give specific guidance as to how to accomplish tasks. A leader is friendly and approachable. He/she treats all followers as equals and expresses appreciation and support. Do you practice favouritism? Do you judge your followers fairly? Leaders should know who they are, what they believe in and act to their values openly and candidly. They should treat their followers ethically, respect their followers’ ideas and regard for their feelings.

A significant factor in leadership is mutual trust. Trust includes: integrity, competence, consistency, loyalty and openness. The fact that human beings are always the subjects in leadership brings a unique consideration. Leadership is an important aspect in our social lives, for that reason we should bear in mind the various skills that will bring every individual satisfaction. We need to work together to achieve our vision statements. Follow the function of Umbuntu: A person is only made a person by other people. The aspects of interdependence, totality, spirit of man and integrity.

* Saara Amakali is 18 years old and is currently a second year student at the University of Namibia, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Email her at s.amakali@yahoo.com or add her on Facebook (Saarah Meke Amakali).

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