An institution that is characterized by strong leadership usually has outstanding results. A team leader has the power to decide on the results that any institution would give. Poor leadership automatically gives rise to poor performance while on the other hand, if a leader follows the modal strength-based leadership as explained by leadership consultant Barry Conchie and author Tom Rath, he can then can achieve satisfactory results. Leaders need to have access to exemplary leadership resources which are inclusive of a leadership coach. By doing so, they sharpen their leadership skills and get more information on how to lead successfully.
For instance, a first-time DNP student participated in El assessment in 2005. The initial score that he achieved was not outstanding since it ranged from 81 to 84, something that did not seem to be promising. The highest score was in relationship management and the lowest one was in self-management. At that point, the DNP student decided to take executive coaching from Steve Abudato who is well known nationally in leadership coaching and development. Later on, in June 2012, the DNP student outshined the initial results by obtaining a score of 91 out of the possible 100.
The above example is a clear indication that leadership skills if well-natured can be improved. Leaders should seek advice and training on leadership so as to ensure that they give the best, to those that they lead. A strength-based leadership model requires a leader to apply certain things so as to become an outstanding leader (Rath & Conchie, 2009).
The basic thing that a leader should know is his/her strength and also the strength of others in the team. A leader can use this information to know which tasks can be handled by which individuals. The leader should also be able to note the strength quickly so as to achieve better results fast.
A leader should have all the members of the team contributing something. No team member should be allowed to joy ride on the efforts of the team members. If a leader is the one choosing the members of the team, he/she should be able to choose the strength that would be beneficial to the team. An exemplary leader should ensure that the team members work together and no one in the team is taken for granted.
A leader should be an example to the member of the team. Even outside of the workplace, the team members should be able to look at the leader for guidance and inspiration. Respect for the team members and the effort they put into the team is another attribute of an explanatory leader. A leader should be able to stand by the set rules and not be easily swayed by individuals who want to rebel, and should then know how to apply these qualities in the best possible way to make the team achieve its goals (Northouse, 2010).
Opportunities represented by the team members should be noted very fast by the leader, and exploited them in order to benefit the team. A leader should also teach the team members how to make maximum use of the strength that they have. Studies show that an improvement of EI can only be achieved when people have “strong motivation to learn or change, practice new behaviors consistently, and seek feedback on their own behavior” Some scholars note that EQ is more beneficial than IQ (Chopra & Kanji, 2010).
A leader should possess knowledge and skills of what they are leading. They should also be focused and have enthusiasm on the job. A leader should be trustworthy and with humility. Since the team consists of different individuals, a leader should be a strong arm, a shoulder to lean on and still have the warmth to accommodate different characters on the team.
Leaders should put a lot of effort to ensure that the set goal and objective can be achieved. If they have a plan or something that needs to be done, they are the people who should work extra hard to ensure that it is done. They should be able to influence others, more so when a new idea has been tabled, they should have the ability to convince the team members and all those involved. A person who can speak up and ensure that the message they want to pass across is heard (Rath & Conchie, 2009).
Leaders should also think strategically; this means that they should stay focused on the task ahead and know when the team needs to be motivated. They should analyze the situation and come up with results that are achievable and better solutions. Based on Gallup study, a team can achieve better results if the team members present each other.
In conclusion, an exceptional leader is open to feedback from key stakeholders and engages mentors and coaches in order to continue to grow and develop in identified areas of weaknesses. At the same time, ensure that the needs of the members, both a team and individually are met in order to be successful.
References
Chopra, P. and Kanji, G. (2010). Emotional intelligence: A catalyst for inspirational leadership and management excellence. Total Quality Management, 21(10), 971-1004.
Northouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2009). Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and why People Follow. New York: Gallup Press.