True leadership is earned, not assigned as a role

Gone are the days when autocratic leaders could simply expect others to follow without question and demand respect, regardless of their behaviour or ability to perform. The events of the past decade have demonstrated all too painfully the danger of unbridled autocratic leadership. Faith in those who wield power has been shaken to the core.

Social media empowers people to express and share opinions instantly. The market environment is a blizzard that is changing fast and the challenges are more complex. People expect to be kept informed and consulted. Leaders who do not engage will quickly find that they lose control and respect. So, what are the ingredients of a skilled leader nowadays?

Skilled leadership is built on clear consistent communication and a focus on teamwork. People choose to be led and they will follow an inclusive and supportive leader. Successful leaders consistently demonstrate these qualities in their deeds as well as words. They are visible and approachable. They give people the space to express themselves and find time to provide constructive feedback to help them to grow. They lead by example – by listening to others and being receptive to feedback on their own performance.

Great leaders are not defensive when challenged. They seek to understand the view or idea expressed. They are unafraid to acknowledge the truth in what they hear. They know that acting on that knowledge can lead to breakthroughs in performance.

Skilled leaders believe in setting clear goals and objectives and measuring progress. They have high quality standards that they live by. They always set out to give their best work and expect other people to do the same.

Skilled leaders have no truck with promoting a ‘blame culture’. They do not duck difficult issues, but deal with them swiftly, fairly and with a positive outcome in mind. Ultimately, the quality of leaders’ performance will depend on the success of their relationships with their teams and other stakeholders.

Skilled leaders know how to articulate a vision of how the future will be, but also how to get there. Integrating strategy with practical implementation is crucial to motivating and mobilising people to get involved.

Many organisations suffer from strategic initiative fatigue. Their leaders may brim with bright ideas but, over time, their teams can become jaded if none actually come to fruition. Skilled leaders avoid this by ensuring every discussion about a new strategic initiative concludes by asking: 

1. Who will devote time to getting this done?
2. What are we prepared not to do to invest in this initiative?
3. What value will this initiative add to the overall strategic focus?

If these questions are not fully answered, the skilled leader will be brave enough to know that the initiative should not proceed in the present form.

A skilled leader needs to understand and handle various situations. This requires an open, enquiring mind and the ability to see beyond the immediate agenda to what is really going on.

Skilled leaders are able to influence others through their ideas and actions. They are authentic and consistent communicators who value input and encourage the mindset of always doing the right thing. Through their personal integrity, evidenced by their behaviour and by demonstrating an understanding of the goals and motivation of their teams, these leaders become agents for change and influence.

There is no mystery to leadership and yet great leadership is rare. Leaders don’t have all the answers. Skilled leaders know how to build the best teams. They exhibit a readiness to engage and collaborate with others to find the answers. At their best, skilled leaders are responsive, adaptable, visionary and decisive.

True leadership is acquired. It is earned rather than simply assigned as a role and a statement of authority.

Beverly Landais is the CEO at London barristers’ chambers Devereux (www.devereuxchambers.co.uk)