An effective leader is one who is familiar with issues faced by the people he leads. A leader who intends to implement effective public policies should have the support of all people in the society. He or she must encourage all members of the society to collaborate to ensure that policies which are implemented achieve desired objectives.
A leader needs to be familiar with views and aspirations of his people so as to win their trust and confidence. Kettl (2000) reveals for public policies to be effective, a leader should be motivated to uplift peoples’ living standards (p. 12).
A leader should encourage everyone in the community to cooperate to ensure that set objectives and goals are achieved. A leader should create strong networks at all levels of the society to ensure that viable opportunities are well utilised for the benefit of the community.
A public leader should be well educated to be able to make important decisions regarding policies that need to be implemented. An educated leader makes good choices regarding projects that are crucial for the improvement of the community’s welfare. He is able to set priorities regarding how important projects are going to be funded and how they will benefit the community.
This ensures public resources are channelled to projects needed by the community which minimises wastage of public funds (Trutt, 2010, p. 87). A good leader plans fundamental actions that need to be taken to ensure that societal goals are achieved.
An educated leader is able to formulate effective budgets and technical plans which outline how major projects will be done. He assesses the advantages and disadvantages of every policy decision made before it is implemented.
Trutt (2010) argues that it is important for a leader to have a strong military background in order to implement crucial policies involving the military (pp. 93-95). Military issues are complex and require a leader to be well grounded in all areas that relate to military operations. A leader who is chosen to lead military forces needs to be knowledgeable on security issues and their impacts on the society.
This knowledge is necessary during times of wars, political instability and civilian unrests. For instance, Winston Churchill’s previous experience as a soldier was crucial to his success as a leader in Britain, during World War II.
He made effective decisions which turned the course of the war in favour of allied forces. His knowledge of military strategy made him implement successful policies which protected Great Britain from threats of external invasion by the Nazis.
Leaders who have travelled widely are exposed to different foreign experiences which make them open minded. They are able to build and sustain strong relationships with other countries in the best interests of their citizens. However, a leader needs to understand the wishes and expectations of his citizens to rule effectively. This will help him to plan and implement policies which are important to those he leads.
A leader who travels a lot may fail to understand issues and problems being experienced by people at home. A lot of exposure to foreign ideals may make a leader to lose interest in critical issues affecting people in his own country (Trutt, 2010, pp. 104-107). An effective leader needs to participate in making decisions which are important for the development of his community.
References
Kettl, D. (2000). The global public management revolution: A report on the transformation of governance. Washington DC: Brookings Institution Press.
Trutt, W.B. (2010). Power and policy: Lessons for leaders in government and business. New York, NY: ABC-CLIO.