There are plenty of leadership qualities preached by many. However, there is a non-negotiable set of roles which must co-exist in balance and harmony within an influential leader. Without a recognition of these fundamental qualities, leadership becomes mechanical and impersonal.
The following are the 3 non-negotiable roles of a leader:
1. Truth-Teller
In this age of wanting to look good and desiring to make great impressions, the truth could be sacrificed on the altar of compromise and convenience.
Your willingness to tell the truth quickly and specifically is a reflection of your commitment to living out values that will fuel a life of integrity. The key quality here is courage.
2. People-Feeler
You can tell the truth as much as you want but if you do not know the heart of your team members, your passionate communication will fall on dry ground. This is because people primarily listen with their heart, not with their ears.
If you are out of touch with your followers’ aspirations, hopes and dreams, don’t be surprised if they no longer follow your aspirations, hopes and dreams. The key quality here is compassion.
3. Decisive-Ruler
It is easy to be a decision-maker but if you desire to be a leader whose decisions carry an aura of influential authority, there need to be an active interaction with the feelings of your people and the facts of the situation.
Your decisions are not based on the fickleness of opinion but guided by both your mind and your heart. The key quality here is clarity.
Joseph is a Leaderonomics faculty trainer who is passionate about engaging with leaders to transform culture in organisations. Previously, he was CEO of Leaderonomics Good Monday. He is currently based in the United States
Dato' Sheila Majid is one of the gems of the Malaysian music industry. From a teenage girl who loved to sing at friends' parties, she has become one of Malaysia's most successful singers