Leadership Development
In the workplace every day, we meet a whole range of different people. It is inevitable, therefore, that some of these people we will like, and some we will not get along with so easily. Of course, some of these people are going to be leaders – is it imperative that a good leader must be one of likeable character, or is it possible for a leader to be equally effective without the luxury of being liked by those they lead?
Good leaders must be many things in varying quantities – for example:
They must also be able to motivate and trust their workforce, communicate their ideas well, work effectively and practically, encourage and inspire their staff, and above all, lead by example. They must have drive, passion and enthusiasm, not only for what they do, but for the people who they are responsible for.
BUT is it necessary that they are liked, or even likable? Or is it purely an added bonus if this is the case?
There is an old military saying that if you take care of your troops, they will take care of you. Another vital element to a good leader, therefore, is taking care of those they lead. Employees who feel good about their workplace and the way they are led will contribute far more above the bare minimum required, and will generate high productivity for a relatively low turnover. So it is imperative that a good leader must be respected and able to get results, as well as also being able to find out what motivates each member of their team personally – and this care for people is something that cannot be faked, or brought to the working environment by someone who could be defined as unlikeable or unliked. Having said that, part of being a good leader is also going to be making difficult decisions which may not be popular (obviously with the best interest of both the business and the team at heart), and it is important that a good leader does not value being liked above making a sound business decision.
What role does Leadership Development play in all of this? Is it possible to learn all the qualities of a good leader, and thus for a person to transform themselves from having less likable qualities to being really liked? Leadership skills can of course be learned, but leadership also comes from within – leadership can bring about a transformation within those being led, but the leader must have both the right tools and the right attitude and disposition to see that transformation begin to happen, and therefore reap the benefits of followship. A good follower will be able to develop their skills such as taking responsibility, demonstrating initiative, working collaboratively and managing themselves effectively. Good leadership is more important than ever in times of uncertainty and organisations who continue to invest in their people and develop their leaders will optimise business growth.
