Is there a LEADER in YOU?

Leaders are made, born and brought into existence through social conflicts, ethical dilemmas and highly competitive arts, sports etc. But, invariably throughout history, leaders had a special and unique quality without which they couldn't even have thought of leading. It's the speaking skill. 

Almost all great leaders of the world were born with this significant talent and they always strived hard to master their competency in addressing gatherings effectively and in conveying a message with fortitude and eloquence. People have a strong belief that "leaders are made", instead of public speakers are made, which signifies the amalgamation and the appositeness of the two concepts. They always go hand in hand.

The concept of leadership has varied definitions depending on the central personality trait of the leader by which he/she is inspired. These leaders possess various capabilities and skills, for example, interpersonal skills, conceptual skills, administrative or organizational skills and speaking skills. Speaking skills are brought into discussions many a time in various fora, hence I consider that it is worthwhile exchanging some views about the rest.

Do you think that there is a leader empowered by conceptual skills in you? If yes, see whether you possess the following qualities in you. Are you effective in problem solving, good at seeing the bigger picture before everyone else does, addressing issues immediately as they arise, on your toes to make necessary changes to your organization and find it easy to discuss values of the organization?

If you think that it is your administrative skills which predominate, in you as a leader, you might be able to appreciate the following facts and qualities in you. Think whether you find it easy to work with details, whether you are effective with the detailed aspects of your work, whether you are efficiently able to manage people and resources, whether you find it enjoyable in responding to people’s appeals and interests and whether you are capable of gaining resources to the programmes of the organization.

What if you are rich in interpersonal skills? Are you endowed with the belief that the potent conflict resolution could be done by respecting the opponent? Do you care about conflict sensitivity and spend time on gaining the consensus over conflicts? Do you have a good preconception on how people respond to novel concepts and a good nose to smell the emotional situations in the work group by being blessed with a good level of emotional intelligence? Finally do you use your emotional energy to coax others?

Sit back and think for a while, if you find the most number of “strong yes” answers in one paragraph, it is more likely that you possess the particular skill described in there. In the same way, if you find “no” for many in one description, it would benefit you to be more prudent in handling such affairs and to study more on your weaknesses.

The “Golden Gavel Award” recipient in 2012, John C. Maxwell said “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. Hence have an insatiable desire to make yourself always a better leader within you while making people around you more comfortable, shedding off your weaknesses and cruising towards victory with ease.