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A person who exerts considerable social influence on others towards the accomplishment of specific tasks is said to be a leader. Leadership need not come with an official title although people who hold high titular positions are expected to be leaders and have leadership qualities.
There are the so-called born leaders who are able to lead others almost effortlessly to follow them. These people exude authority even without any formal delegation. They possess a certain charisma that encourages following and compliance.
These people therefore must have some leadership philosophy they can speak of if they are able to command such compelling presence. A personal leadership philosophy is defined by a person’s purpose and values. The standard which he places on his followers is the same standard he applies to himself because that is how he functions well.
A leader forms his philosophy by combining his personal views with the existing environment where he is exercising leadership. He cannot force what he wants if it is not applicable to the situation. Effective leaders are characterized by being greatly attuned to the people surrounding him thus his great influence.
Followers must be able to identify clearly with a leader if they are to be part of the team. Leaders must be able to inspire followers to do what is being proposed up to the extent of making sacrifices to achieve the common goal. It takes a good leader to convince followers to accept difficulties. It takes a great leader for followers to push through even in extreme situation. A leader lives his philosophy on a daily basis to be convincing.
Originally posted on January 26, 2013 @ 7:44 am