What Makes an Effective Leader?

Often when we think of leaders, it is the charismatic, outgoing personalities that we think of first. And there are many leaders who fit that description. However, that doesn’t necessarily make them an effective leader. That certainly helps when they need to tackle certain tasks or roles, but its only part of the equation.
So what is it? Specific qualities? Presence? The ability to wear many hats? I think perhaps all these things.
This is where I think it’s so important to understand your personal strengths in developing your own leadership style. I’ve mentioned before that leaders can be found everywhere you look. And they aren’t always the most visible individuals in the situation. Leaders are the ones embracing their strengths, and encouraging others to embrace their strengths, stepping back if someone else is better equipped to handle a situation.
This is something that I have learned a great deal about from my horses. The picture above is of my three horses at the time, about 12 years ago. When I ask people who the leader in the herd is, most will say the one in front. What is it about him/her that leads you to believe that? They’re in front, the biggest, the most striking? Well he is all that, and he’s got a big personality as well. But he’s not the leader. Every herd member has a different role to play in the survival of the herd. Watching how horses establish a hierarchy that works to keep the safety and well-being of the entire herd at the forefront is really a lesson in leadership. Cooper, the black and white paint, holds the role of what Linda Kohanov in her book “The Five Roles of the Master Herder” would call Sentinel. Buddy, the dark bay is the Leader, and Brandy, the redhead, is a Nurturer. As the leader of the group, Buddy stepped back and let Cooper play to his strength – being watchful and guarding the safety of the herd. That’s not to say that Buddy couldn’t be the Sentinel, but he shares the responsibility.
So too, with human interactions, a leader needs to understand his or her own strengths, and the strengths of those around them. They need to create space for others to step forward into a lead role and demonstrate their strengths. And they need to recognize the areas that they need to cultivate and develop to be an effective leader. They need to be able to take on different roles. Sometimes the listener, the nurturer, ensuring everyone is heard. Sometimes decisive, providing clear guidance and direction.
Awareness. I think awareness is a key factor. Being aware of your personal strengths, opportunities for improvement, our personal filters through which we see the world, who we are at our core. This self-awareness enables us to be authentic. You can’t inspire others to fulfill their potential if you are not operating in a genuine manner. Their support will be hollow, half hearted, because as a leader you are not being authentic.
Listen, allow others to be heard. Cultivate a skill set that aligns with your authentic core values.
What other qualities so you see as essential for an effective leader?