Ten Leadership Traits ______________________
1. Intelligence
You don’t need to be a genius to influence others, however, a certain amount of intelligence is needed in order to direct and lead others. But most importantly, leaders use their intelligence to study, learn and improve their management skills. With great emphasis on globalization and international relations, emerging Zambian leaders should strive to gunner with some elevated levels of intelligence in order to deal with issues of foreign affairs, local and international trade, the economy and diplomacy.
2. Objectivity
Leaders ought to be able to look at all sides of a problem and not make biased statements. A good leader should gather all the information possible, and should not rush into action before considering possible results. How true this is to Zambia! When deciding over issues of national interest such as the privatization of the copper mines, for example, leaders should not rush into signing agreements. Leaders should value differing options and not squarely base their judgments on first impression.
3. Initiative
How I love this trait. Initiative spells ambition and persistence. It is the drive leaders have in reaching set goals. Initiative is the ability by leaders to go beyond the fixed rules and delve into new territories. Leaders are self-starters who plan what they want to do. They encourage others to take actions and make decisions when appropriate. Such kinds of leaders have a drive and are highly motivated. Leaders of this nature are able to influence others.
4. Courage
Leadership is influence. To influence others, leaders sometimes go to certain extents in order to reach goals. Courage is the ability to take risks to reach goals. Risk takers are history makers! And this trait is necessary and needed when a leader has to make unpopular decisions and try new approaches in solving problems. It is no wonder Moses instructed Joshua to be courageous. How else could a seasoned leader of two million people inspire a young inexperienced Joshua, serve by taking courage!
5. Confidence
Leaders have a great deal of self-confidence. They attempt to make the best possible decisions and trust their own judgment. Leadership is a lonely adventure. When things are going well everyone praises the leader, but when things begin to sour, they turn against him or her. That is why you should not seek for leadership if you are not ready. Instead of making you, leadership could break you!
6. Dependability
Because they are consistent in action, behaviour and attitude, others can rely on those who lead. Leaders are promise-keepers. They make promises they are prepared to fulfill. In recent Zambian politicking there has been more talk than walk. Politicians make big promises which they never fulfill. People vote them in so that they can deliver. But once they are in, they forget the electorates and concentrate on enriching themselves. I do not disapprove of anyone becoming well-off after serving the people well. What I am against is when some politicians forget to meet the needs of the poor, the sick, the old and women and children. Because there is usually no other way through which common people can access the wealth of the nation except through their Members of Parliaments (MPs)’s good proposals or other national leaders s well-thought through policies, it is immoral to completely deny the people their life-line. A leader must be dependable. People should be able to know that their leaders can keep their words. When they make a statement, they follow through, and expect others to do the same.
7. Good Judgment
Leadership is the art of making decisions. Leadership by default is a term given to leaders who rarely make decisions. It is however one thing to make decisions and another to make informed decisions. Leaders must make many decisions. To do so, they should consider carefully all the facts available; apply knowledge, experience, new information and finally use good judgment!
8. Cooperation
Leaders understand the importance of other people, enjoy being with other people and recognize that the feelings and ideas of other people are important. Leaders work well with people. They try to understand the people they work with. They understand that people working together can accomplish more than the same people working alone. They encourage others to share their ideas, experiences, opinions and show that each person is a valuable member of the cause. So, leaders work to develop cooperative relations.
9. Stability
Because leaders are not highly emotional people, others can depend on their reaction to reduce conflicts, solve problems and mend relations. Leaders are both persuasive and charismatic. They get others to act by modeling confidence.
10. Honesty
Great leaders subscribe to the moral ethics discussed in Chapter 5. They are honest and have standards of personal integrity. Honesty is not stupidity. Being an honest leader does not mean stating your weaknesses in public. Honesty means you take responsibility for both failure and success. In party politics, it is hard to be honest for fear that some opposition politicians might use your admissions against you. Yet honest people always win. People love leaders they can trust. They may be astounded by an all-mighty leader, but in the long run, they will honour honest and trustworthy leaders. Being honest also means you are open to change, especially when that change will improve you and the people you lead. Currently there are many Zambians working and making great contributions in other countries. Wise Zambian leaders should seek to benefit from the experience and expertise of these men and women rather than lambasting them in the local media. Honesty means that you appreciate the strength of other people and if possible, you utilize such strength for the good of all.
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