Effort is more productive and fun when working with a leader, not a boss. This is because a boss delegates tasks, and expects execution at a certain time, but this isn’t effective leadership.
Leaders have a major impact on the people they manage, and the company as a whole. Great leaders are known to be good at communication, have visions for the future, and show empathy for their employees. Many managers do not possess the leadership qualities that can make them good leaders.
Himanshu Arvind Kapadia, a business consultant at Jali Partners Ltd, explains that a manager is a person who leads, commands, influences, or guides other individuals, team or organisation.
To him, a leader or leadership can’t be defined in a few lines. This is because the word leadership is often used without actually defining and understanding it.
He says, irrespective of their objectives, all leaders must have qualities like assertiveness, adaptability, positivity, inspiration, and intelligence.
"Every business needs a good leader with the right leadership skills to be successful. Without a clear vision or efficient leadership, it is very difficult to keep a business on track and achieve aspirations or set dreams.
A leader ought to have an effective way of listening and communicating with team members. Photo: Getty Images
"In theory, there are five types of leaders and companies need to pick what is most suitable to their environment and goals,” he says.
He notes that these are; managerial leaders, relational leaders, motivational leaders, inspirational leaders, and transformational leaders. All these leaders have different characteristics and levels of influence over others.
To him, transformational leaders are most suitable for any business. Their purpose and passion is to transform others. They are most influential and highly respected among others. Their influence touches people in all industries and across multiple generations.
He says, to be a good leader within an organisation, one must start with understanding their features and finding suitable leadership styles. This can be followed by analysing strengths and weaknesses.
Kapadia says that a good leader must acknowledge that there are always better ways of doing things and exploring and trying new things. Feedback may also play a significant role. Continuous learning is an added advantage.
The business consultant highlights that you can’t be a good leader if you fail to motivate others. This is the key element of leadership. This can be done after involving followers in the process, encouraging them to contribute, offering recognition, praise, and sometimes, rewards.
According to him, a positive and optimistic attitude of a leader serves as a source of inspiration for a team. This doesn’t mean showing the bright side of a situation only, rather, maintaining a sense of optimism and hope in challenging situations.
He notes that a leader ought to progress an effective way of listening and communicating with team members. Verbally or nonverbally, as a leader, you should express care towards others.
Kapadia points out that a leader can’t be good until they serve as role models. They should foster a specific belief, before passing it to others. As a result, followers will be optimistic and will give 100 per cent effort.
He also says that great leaders accept when they make mistakes and ask for help, which shows respect. It makes the person on the other end feel more valuable and part of a team. Perhaps, it also brings a sense of unity and shows the team that their ideas, suggestions, and ability while giving feedback on whatever the topic could be, are appreciated.
Jack Welch, who was an American business executive, chemical engineer, and writer, is quoted to have said, "Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”
Integrity is a trait that a good leader should hold as well. Irish novelist and poet, C.S. Lewis, said that integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.