Qualities of an effective Leader

A leader cannot be effective unless he possesses some essential qualities. Irrespective of the responsibilities of the job and the style, a number of qualities are generally found to be possessed by an effective leader.  The most important of these qualities are:

1. Empathy:  A leader must appreciate his followers. He must be able to look at things from the view point of his followers.  One of the core quality of the leader is that his ability to understand the feelings and situation of his follower.  This quality will motivate the followers.

2.  Mental and Physical health: There will be pulls and pressures in the path of the leader.  He must be able to withstand in such situation.  It is essential for the leader to have sound health both mental and physical along with balanced temperament and optimistic outlook. He must possess stamina and sound health.

3.  Awareness of other's opinion about himself:  A leader must have self confidence.  At the same time he should not ignore how others perceive him as a leader.  He must be aware of his strength and weakness in relation to his followers.  He should be aware of the opinion of others about himself.

4.  Self-Confidence:   A leader must have confidence in his leadership ability.  That confidence makes it possible for a leader to  analyze and face different situations and adopt a suitable style.  Lack of self confidence in his leadership ability will prevent him from adopting participative style. 

5.  Objectivity: A leader must be fair and objective in his dealings with his followers.  He should not carried away by emotions and forget the objective of his leadership.

6.  Knowledge and intelligence:  A leader to be effective must have knowledge of group behaviour, human nature and activities involving technical and professional competence.  He must have intelligent perception of human psychology and ability to think clearly and argue cogently on points of dispute.

7.  Decisiveness: Decision-making is a necessary but difficult task for every leader.  A leader often has to take initiative and exercise mature judgment while  taking decisions.  Besides, he has to have foresight, imagination and creative ideas for effective decision-making.  Open mindedness is yet another essential quality for that purpose.