Julius Malema , good leader or not? YOU BE THE JUDGE.

Leadership is a hot topic currently. An online search found 22 million website listings for the word "leadership." Why? Because good leadership gets things done. The quality of leadership determines the difference between a team passionate about what they're doing versus one that is following orders.

 

Leadership is essential to getting things done. But the qualities of good leaders, self-knowledge, commitment, willingness to look to others for support, being open to change and a desire to go the extra mile, can determine whether anyone chooses to follow.

A leader is someone who helps others do and become more than they ever thought possible. Leadership is about unlocking potential, whether individual potential or that of a group, company, or organization. It is not about telling people what to do, but inspiring them to see what they are capable of then helping them get there.

"We need to be clear about our own values, priorities, and preferences and not let someone else, or society, define them for us," said Marian Ruderman, a group director at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. "By clearly identifying those values, priorities, and preferences we can articulate what we want, develop benchmarks, and make better choices."

An effective leader is not afraid to take on responsibilities. Sometimes it requires putting the organization or group first and keeping it there.

 In his article, "Seven Habits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful Executives," which appeared in Fast Company magazine in July 2003, Sydney Finkelstein chronicles the characteristics of leaders who fail, not just ineffective leaders but those who have reversed the fortunes of thriving corporations. Which bad leaders placed high on this notorious list? According to Mr. Finkelstein, it's those individuals who think they have all the answers.

Believing that an effective leader is one who knows it all is one of the most dangerous misconceptions about leadership. Human frailty comes into play whether sitting in a cubicle or a corner office. So while the ultimate decision and responsibility may lie with one individual, it is incumbent upon her or him to gather information and trust others' points of view before developing a plan of action.

So judging from some of the above qualities, what do you think?

Picture resource: africa.ibtimes.com