Leadership and qualities of a good leader

Leadership

Leadership is the process of influencing and guiding people to willingly work towards the achievement of group goals. A leader inspires followers and creates a vision; leadership may exist formally (managers) or informally.

Qualities of a good leader

1. Vision and foresight: Sees future goals and directs the team towards them.
2. Integrity and honesty: Truthful, ethical and trustworthy; leads by example.
3. Self-confidence and courage: Takes decisions and risks.
4. Intelligence and technical knowledge: Knows the work and solves problems.
5. Communication skill: Listens, explains goals clearly, inspires.
6. Decisiveness: Makes timely and sound decisions.
7. Empathy and human relations: Understands the needs and feelings of followers.
8. Ability to motivate: Encourages and recognises good work.
9. Emotional stability and patience: Remains calm under pressure.
10. Fairness and impartiality.
11. Responsibility and accountability: Accepts blame for failure.
12. Initiative and creativity: Open to new ideas and change.
13. Adaptability: Changes style to suit the situation.
14. Delegation and team building: Trusts and develops others.

Example: leaders in Nepali organizations show many of these qualities. Kulman Ghising, as Managing Director of NEA, ended load shedding (between 2016 and 2018) through firm leadership, management skill and honesty.