An inspiring leader communicates with the group. It is one thing to just lay out plans and give commands. It is another to enjoin the people to collectively carry out plans and create an atmosphere of responsibility and accountability. A good leader inspires people to move and act by clearly explaining the rudiments of plans and actions, as well as making the people feel that their share in the group responsibilities are purposeful and, thus, integral to the group’s success.

The inspiring leader makes each and every member find his or her useful role in the general scheme of things. A member who feels useful and participatory in the group becomes inspired to actually participate and cooperate. This member will find his or her true worth under the direction of a leader who motivates positively. In other words, an inspiring leader creates an inspired following.

People will follow someone whom they think is capable enough to lead them. Competence is the most basic requirement of leadership. An incapable leader has no business leading people. Leadership confidence is the people’s perception that the leader can, indeed, bring the group forward. There is an element of reputation in this regard. A leader must have had some historical proof that he or she had been able to actualize plans, projects, and programs.

Technical experience and expertise are not the bottom line of leadership competence. People skills are. A competent leader must have shown proof of effective managerial skills. He or she must be known to have shown how to deal positively with people, and with respect to individual qualities. A leader who exhibits relevant experience in the line of the group’s work or business may be initially perceived as competent. However, if he or she does not back it up with managerial skills and people skills, that leader is bound to lose credibility.

A leader is regarded as the head of the organization, first and foremost, not as a technical person. His leadership will be needed in terms of making the organization a cohesive whole, not as someone who can forward technology. There are technical people to do that. The leader is a leader of men.

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