There are many things that make people great leaders. Great leaders empower you to find your footing not only in the workplace but be able to carry those skills with you into everyday life. Teaching others is the most meaningful way to express that you truly understand something. Another quality that leaders possess is to know when to be led. In a room of leaders, one must be able to follow instructions as well. Just because you can lead, does not mean you always should.
3 Main Leadership Styles
Each person has a different leadership style. The three most prominent leadership styles are authoritarian, participative, and delegative. When figuring out what style you choose to lead with, it is also important to see what the group responds to best. Various people respond in various ways. Authoritarian leaders dictate what things should be done and how to do them. While this style limits creative freedom, everything gets done to a certain standard. Participative leaders take input from the group as to which way to so things but ultimately have the final say. This style encourages others to participate in the conversation as well as have a person stake in a project. Delegative leaders assign tasks to members of the group and act as a guide if need be but leave it up to each member as to how to pursue their task. A relaxed leadership style can be exactly what someone needs or the exact opposite. To learn more visit this article by lumen learning.
These same theories can apply to the leaders themselves being led as well. Most leaders have bosses they report to about projects and various things that they oversee. Everyone needs direction and advice every once in a while on something. Listening to effective leaders can increase your own strengths as well as show area that need improvement. Evolving into the best leader possible provides opportunities to excel in personal applications along with professional ones. By being a good follow in turn can create good leaders.
Letting Go
Taking the backseat in a project can be extremely difficult. This transition though may allow coworkers in your circle to choose which type of leader they want to be. The opportunity to grow while having you there to guide them in this new role teaches you additional new leadership skills. To truly understand something, you have to be able to teach it to someone else as well. Sharing knowledge is what pushes the human race forwards. Knowledge in the sciences, arts, communications, people, and so much more. By giving others the chance to have a moment in the spotlight, you might be surprised what you may learn.
Conclusion
Leading is so much more than commanding an audience or a group of people. Each person has their own take on leadership and how it should be done. By learning to follow, leaders can better understand what makes a leader great while helping to create the next generation of them.
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