Leadership is the art of influencing and motivating a group of people by guiding them to achieve a set goal. An individual also can use a collection of resources and humans to meet an agenda (Northouse, 2018). The leadership process entails making clear and, difficult decisions, creating a clear vision, and setting viable goals. Leadership is also taking risks and challenging the status quo to attain a new level of performance (Northouse, 2018). In other words, leadership combines skills, individual capacity, resources, and the willingness to meet a goal.
I consider it a greater compliment if a person calls me a good leader because I am skillful, resourceful, ambitious, and influential. These are the primary characteristics that make a good leader. I believe I can be a good leader and manager because I have great listening skills. To be a good manager, one must be an active and keen listener by allowing people to speak their minds (Northouse, 2018). It is possible to be a good manager and a leader if a person acquires the needed skills for both titles.
Leadership is not a natural ability reserved for a few but something everyone can learn. Leadership requires acquiring specific skills that allow the management of resources and positive interactions. Indeed, effective leadership requires active leaders to advance their level of skills through learning to demonstrate empathy, intelligence, good communication, and the ability to delegate. According to Northouse (2018), a leader is created through learning, teaching, observation, experience, and regular practice over time. Therefore, being a leader is not rooted in the title an individual is given but in a particular state of mind.
Reference
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications.