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Leadership

Characteristics of Effective Leadership Include Listening, Giving Clear Directions

By John Almond - June 10, 2010

Being chosen to be a public school administrator doesn’t necessarily make you a leader, because leaders don’t automatically get the respect and acceptance of their co-workers.  To put it simply, they have to earn that respect.  

Effective leaders, however, do have many common qualities. Leaders make an effort to learn and practice skills so that they can:

  1. Listen openly to others
  2. Offer and accept constructive suggestions
  3. Give clear directions
  4. Set and meet deadlines
  5. Give formal and informal presentations
  6. Work with others to identify and solve problems
  7. Set an example of desired behavior
  8. Show appreciation for the contributions of others
  9. Handle conflict
  10. Delegate responsibility
  11. Create a positive, productive environment

In addition to the above mentioned skills which can certainly be learned, there are other inherent qualities necessary to be a truly effective leader:

  1. First of all, they are honest. This quality gives them credibility, resulting in the trust and confidence of their staff. Credible leaders foster greater pride in any organization and a stronger spirit of cooperation and teamwork.
  2. They do what they say they will do. They keep their promises and follow through on their commitments.
  3. They believe in the inherent self worth of others
  4. They admit to their mistakes. They realize that attempting to hide a mistake is damaging and erodes credibility.
  5. They create a trusting and open work atmosphere.
  6. They help others to be successful and feel empowered.
  7. They are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and go to work. Employees respect leaders more when they demonstrate a willingness to work right along side them.
  8. They avoid phrases that cause resentment, reluctance, and resistance.

Effective leaders have many common qualities. Making the effort to practice and learn the skills that it takes to be an effective leader will make you far more productive in the work place.

Editor's Note:  John Almond is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA), and a Senior Advisor with the educational consulting firm Total School Solutions (TSS).