The Leader Within
We all have aspirations, and for many of us who work in an office, our
goals include moving up to a supervisory position.
Along with the
move up comes more responsibility, not to mention more direct input in
the future of the company we work for, as well as admiration from
co-workers and of course, a higher paycheck. Still, even though they may
want to one day become a boss, some people may question their abilities
to lead others.
We invite you to look inside yourself, and
consider the following five leadership traits that corporate HR
directors have determined as essential attributes in a good boss:
-
Confidence. Getting subordinates to follow your lead has a lot
to do with convincing them that you yourself are making the right
decisions. Sure, every leader has self-doubts once in a while, but the
best leaders try not to let those feelings show through.
-
Ability to delegate. Control-freaks often get nowhere in todays
super-charged multitasking business environment. The smartest bosses
know that they will shine the brightest when they trust their
subordinates to handle a share of the workload.
-
Fairness. No, you dont have to be considered soft in your
approach to managing, but successful leaders are keenly aware that
different people, and many situations, are unique unto themselves.
Therefore, you must evaluate each circumstance with an open mind, and
never pre-judge anyone.
-
Coolness under pressure. It can get awfully hot under the
collar when youre the boss, particularly when tight deadlines are
involved. The best leaders remain calm, cool and collected...knowing
that panicking usually leads to rash decisions while also sending
negative messages to subordinates.
-
Knowledge. Many bosses can talk the talk, but can they walk the
walk? Those who can take the time to learn everything they need to
know about their companies, their industries, their customers and the
strengths and weaknesses of the people who work for them. As they say,
knowledge is power.
