Selfless Service – I believe that the core to a sound leader is selfless service. Selfless service is the act of performing jobs, tasks, or duties strictly for the benefit of other human beings. There is no expectation of reward or recognition when serving others selflessly. All attributes of a good leader stem from the ability to selflessly serve seniors, peers, and subordinates alike.
Loyalty – Without loyalty, there is no team to be a leader of. There is loyalty required of both the leader and the subordinates. The leader must be loyal to the team. The team must be loyal to the leader. Without the reciprocating loyalty, there will be no balance and the team or the leader may feel that they are contributing more than their fair share. Selfless service comes into play here – the leader will ultimately drive the loyalty through selfless service. If the team doesn’t feel both selfless service and loyalty, they will be unable to demonstrate it.
Challenge – Events or tasks that require effort and discipline will help to build both a strong leader and a strong team. If a team feels challenged and in turn, accomplished together, they will build a stronger base of loyalty to each other, the leader, and the organization. When a leader can lead a team through a challenging time or project, he or she may feel confidence in knowing that the team trusted the leadership and guidance they were given. This builds all around loyalty throughout the team.
Personal Development – Through challenges, we are able to develop talents and see new potentials within ourselves and our team members. It is important for a leader to constantly seek out new opportunities for personal development. First of all, this is something that should be done by everyone at all times. There is no reason we shouldn’t all be constantly learning and developing. Also, when a leaders’ subordinates see them taking a self-development course for example, they see that growth is not optional. They see that sitting stagnant is not the way to become the next leader. A leader should also encourage personal development through out the team because he or she is grooming the generation of leaders in the organization.
Humor – Light-hearted laughter is important every day in every position. As a leader, instilling light-hearted laughter and humor helps your subordinates see that you are still human. It is ok to have humor as it helps creativity flow which will help the team find new and innovative ways to solve problems.
As a leader, it is important to remember where you started and to treat your subordinates accordingly. Remember when you were the subordinate and how you felt in different situations. Put individuals in for awards when they are deserving. Discipline individuals when needed. Don’t strive to “make examples” of your subordinates but show them how to treat their peers through your selfless service and loyalty to the team. Show them that their actions will reap appropriate rewards and consequences. Challenge the team to grow both personally and as a group. You are growing the individual that will take your position one day; make sure you do your position and organization justice by creating a better leader than you are.
Leadership Communication 