LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership and leadership development is one of the most common buzz words, in the modern day
societies, which talks a lot, but least understood its real meaning. Some may think that leadership
comes automatically, with the seniority or position in the hierarchy of the company, or bearing a title
that gives power or respect in the society, and some may think that leadership and management are
sharing similar and common characteristics. But in reality, leadership is nothing about those factors.

So, what is leadership?

Leadership is a process of socially influencing others, in a way that maximise their efforts,
in achieving a shared goal or a dreamed outcome.
If we elaborate this definition, a leader should have a vision to achieve a goal and he/she should be
able to inculcate that vision to others, so that they also share the same vision or the dream of achieving
the same outcome, which maximise the efforts in achieving the results, which may not be achievable,
by working alone. A leader is successful to the extent, that how much he/she should be able to make
his/her vision, as a shared vision, so that everybody is dreaming the same and acting in achieving it in
a collaborative manner.

In the process of leadership development, there are few areas to be considered.

1. Always build the confidence in others, so that they trust you and accept you as a leader. Be
truthful, humble and respect others, because leaders live in the hearts of other people, and if
they are to follow you, first they have to believe in, that you are a sincere person
2. Be accessible and available, for your followers to clarify and guide them when they are having
any issues
3. Demonstrate accountability at every level of your actions
4. Lead with character, keeping your words and actions in line with what you believe and project
the world. Followers are watching your actions with what you are projecting, and they should
see in harmony of those actions and projections.
5. Pass your leadership on to others, when necessary. So that you will have a second line, to
carry your batten, so that what you started will continue and you will have enough time to
initiate a new ideology.

How leaders differentiate from managers

Managers are basically managing the subordinates connected to a process, product, project or
services by planning, measuring, coordinating, executing, monitoring and controlling the process
whereas the leaders are leading people, by inspiring them to achieve a common goal.

How to become an effective leader

To become an effective leader, first you have to listen to your own voice. You must clarify your
own values, by listening and finding your own voice, and be clear of your own guiding principles.
You need to search for opportunities by looking outward for innovative ways of improving the
current situation, products, or services. For that, you do not need to be a manager, with direct
reports, but you should have a clear understanding of your vision and guiding principles. Then this
has to be communicated and shared with others to get their commitment. The commitment, you
cannot get it by command, but you have to inspire and get it. The vision in your mind need to be
communicated to others in a way that they understand it clearly and also see, what’s there in it
for them and make them believe that it is an achievable goal. Since you are venturing for new way
of doing things, there is an amount of risk inherent and to minimise the effect of failures, what
most of the leaders suggest and practice is constantly generating small wins and learning from
experience. The bigger the vision you have, requires more contribution from others. It requires
team effort, with trust and strong relationships. Get the involvement of others as much as possible
and empowering them to contribute in decision making and taking ownership in their areas of
expertise, so that they will feel as part of the team and will be ready to contribute and support in
achieving the desired outcome. This will inspire them to deliver their best.

I am concluding this with a saying of Lao Tze as, “A leader is best when people barely know he
exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.".
Ultimately everybody have achieved their goals.

By : thilakerathna@gmail.com