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How to Become an Effective Leader

Have you ever met a 'born leader?'
Once upon a time leaders were said to be born leaders. That may be true about charismatic leaders even today, but they are very few and far between. You can become an effective leader with a little bit of practice.

Here are a few tips:

1. Choose your leadership style

It is entirely up to you to choose the kind of leadership style that suits you, but you must make a choice. Will you lead with authority or by bringing about consensus from the masses.

Ask yourself whether you would like to be a formal leader who is elected or an informal leader like Albert Einstein in Theoretical Physics or Leonardo de Vinci in the Arts. Then decide whether you would like to adopt an authoritative style or a democratic and participative style.

2. Develop Leadership Skills

You can learn how to become a leader by attending leadership trainings or leadership seminars. A great way to develop leadership skills is to observe the leaders ' how they conduct themselves in different and difficult situations. This is the best way to hone your leadership skills by picking up leadership insights. Remember, skills are not learnt in a day and the only way to learn them is to practice what you have learnt.

3. Be Practical

Theoretical knowledge is as good as having money in an account that has been frozen. Unless you can put it into practice, it is of no use. To develop leadership styles, you need to apply your knowledge at every opportunity you get. Soon people around you will feel your presence. Also, leadership is not only about handling situations. It reflects in the way you conduct yourself, in your mannerisms and in your interactions with your work colleagues, family, friends or the guy at the bookstore. It is also reflected in how well you manage your personal and organizational responsibilities. It should become a habit to you.

4. Carry the Team Along

Without the team there is no leader. Alone you cannot achieve the objectives that you are expected to achieve. You can be made a leader but you will have to bring the team together to complete the tasks at hand. Your real test as a leader is how you deal with your team. You have to maintain a fine balance between strictness and leniency and above all generate trust to build a cohesive group.

5. Handling Situations

Finally, a leader should be able to handle the situation at hand. You cannot apply the same rules to all types of situations. Situations can vary immensely and you will need to have all your wits about you to be able to tide over some delicate situations. For instance, in an emergency situation like a fire, you cannot be consulting everyone on the decision. You will have to act fast, give clear orders and do everything else that needs to be done.

A leader knows the level of competence of his team. You can delegate more responsibility to a highly motivated team, but you may have to use a combination of high coaching, high supporting and high directing leadership styles with a team less competent.

Leadership styles can be perfected through practice and by observing other leaders.

You need not be a 'born leader' to lead a group today. However, reading books and attending training sessions will open your eyes to the multitude of learning opportunities.