The tasty question: who among the three leading contenders can you found the below qualities of good leadership? Please read before you make a choice.
- Yahaya Bello – Pro Good Governance
- Abubakar Audu – Pro Corruption
- Idris Ichalla Wada – Pro Percentage
How often have you heard the comment, “He is a born leader?” There are certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they’re looked up to as a leader.
Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their personality. Let us explore them further.
Seven Personal Qualities Found In A Good Leader:
- A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader “walks the talk” and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads.
- A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.
- A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team members.
- A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor.
- Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head.
- A good leader as well as keeping the main goal in focus is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. Not only is the goal in view but a good leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it.
- A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas.
These seven personal characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.
According Mr. Kabir Adabara in his Face book post and I quote “Let me drum it into your ears that Audu and Wada are not aspiring for the highest office in Kogi state for the right reasons of enhancing good governance, sustainable development and using the state resources to raise the level of the state to greater hight rather they want to use the resources of the state for personal enrichment. I know this for sure base on their past antecedent:-
- They have never been concerned about poverty in the state.
- They have never been able to function at level that can elevate Kogi state to a greater high.
- They have run the state into bankruptcy.
How can any Kogites in his right senses even contemplate either voting Audu or Wada after they have left the state and its people in abject poverty? DOES IT SOUND TO REASON? We will be doing the greatest harm to ourselves, cheat ourselves too much if we fail to live by experience and learn from the past”.
– Abduljelil Adabara
