First Draft- Expository Essay
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Good Leader Characteristics
Lauren Tolentino
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
UNV 104: 21
st
Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy
Professor Jolene Rivchin
October 29, 2023
1
Good Leader Characteristics
Being a leader is possible for anyone, but it requires specific essential characteristics to
become a good one. Although acquiring these skills may be challenging, learning them will
benefit your team. According to Grice (2023), "A true test of leadership is the ability to endure
setbacks while maintaining the ability to show others the way to go forward" (p. 52). This
statement remains true for any leader who is trying to guide others. A great leader is someone
who communicates effectively, provides guidance and direction, and empowers team members to
build consensus. Some of the most well-known leaders who have possessed these qualities
include Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and Walt Disney. Through their leadership, they
positively impacted not only their teams, but also the world. Possessing these three
characteristics is crucial for any leader to be effective.
Communication
Possessing good communication skills is one of the most vital qualities that a leader
needs to have. Effective communication is crucial in good leadership, which is the key to
achieving organizational goals. Improving communication in the workplace can lead to increased
employee morale, engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to
prioritize effective workplace communication to achieve success for individuals, teams, and the
organization. Leaders can effectively communicate and engage with their team through face-to-
face interactions, virtual meetings, or phone calls to establish connection and empathy
(Nakamura & Milner, 2023). In today's work environment, it is essential to communicate
effectively through different mediums. Although challenging, learning different communication
styles can help leaders engage their team better. Leaders who understand the close connection
between effective communication and strategic lobbying are well-equipped to shape the future
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(Arendt et al., 2019). To lead a team successfully, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of
communication and its impact on the team members. The direction a team takes, whether
positive or negative, depends entirely on the leader's ability to communicate effectively.
Empowerment
Another crucial factor that makes a good leader is the ability to empower a team. When a
leader shows their team that they have faith in their abilities and encourages them to make the
right decisions, it builds confidence. There is significant evidence that suggests empowerment is
positively correlated with favorable outcomes, such as employee commitment (Megheirkouni,
M., 2021). Empowering teams demonstrates that their efforts are recognized and appreciated,
which motivates them to work even harder. A sense of competence gives workers confidence in
their abilities, motivating them to exert effort for the organization. (Megheirkouni, M., 2021).
When individuals are empowered with confidence, they become unstoppable. This creates an
environment of positivity, productivity, and creativity. The entire team benefits by giving
individuals the trust and motivation they need to succeed.
Guidance
The third crucial factor that makes a good leader is guidance. It is extremely important to
show your team that you can assist and guide them towards achieving their goals. People like to
feel that they have a sense of purpose at work and that their leader will help them reach their
desired objectives. Any attention given to workers, whether supportive or not, can lead to
improved performance. Additionally, when organizations designate managers as promising
leadership ("Escaping quagmire", 2014). Giving workers proper support and recognition of their
abilities is essential for effective guidance. Leaders use stories to inspire and motivate followers
by giving meaning to their work, both past and present. ("Escaping quagmire", 2014). Sharing
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your personal experiences and how you were able to overcome them can be a powerful source of
guidance to help others achieve their goals. By providing such insights, you can inspire and
motivate others to follow in your footsteps and achieve success.
Conclusion
Effective leadership requires a unique combination of qualities that enable a leader to
motivate and guide their team toward success. Communication, empowerment and guidance are
three essential qualities that a good leader must possess to be truly effective. These traits help a
leader to connect with their team, delegate responsibilities, and provide the necessary support
and direction to achieve the desired goals. Great leaders are those who prioritize the development
and enhancement of their skills to bring out the best in their team and guide them toward success.
They understand the significance of empowering, motivating, and supporting their team through
clear communication and thoughtful guidance. By putting these qualities at the forefront, leaders
can inspire their employees to achieve great things and foster a positive work environment where
everyone can thrive. Therefore, it is imperative that leaders focus on these skills to become truly
effective and successful in their role.
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References
Arendt, J. F., Pircher Verdorfer, A., & Kugler, K. G. (2019).
Mindfulness and Leadership:
Communication as a Behavioral Correlate of Leader Mindfulness and Its Effect on
Follower Satisfaction.
Frontiers in
Psychology
,
10
.
https://doiorg.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00667
Escaping quagmire of advice: When leadership guidance goes into overload. (2014).
Strategic
Direction,
30(2), 11-13. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/SD-02-2014-004
Grice, A.L. (2023). Are You a Good Leader? Leadership is a quality, not a position.
Learn more about what makes a good leader in equine practice. EquiManagement, 50-
57.
Megheirkouni, M. (2021). Authentic leadership, empowerment, and positive outcomes:
Hearing the voices of the events industry. Event Management, 25(5), 445-458.
https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3727/152599519X15506259856615
Nakamura, Y. T., & Milner, J. (2023). Inclusive leadership via empathic communication.
Organizational dynamics, 52(1),
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