If you've ever Googled, “What makes an effective leader?” or “How to become a great leader?” you may have come across books and articles -- all with valid points -- but it’s important to note that being a leader (let alone a great leader) comes with a great understanding that not all situations are the same. Typically, each will require diverse types of leadership. Take a successful organization, for instance. All owners and executives will have varying experiences and perspectives on the qualities needed to be an effective leader inside their organization.
What Are the Attributes of an Effective Leader?
No matter what your read, hear, see, or experience, there are two factors that will be present in an effective leader:
-
Adaptability – The best leaders can adapt to their environments
-
Personal Power – Effective leaders are able to harness the respect of their team and empower the team to succeed at all costs, together
Many values, traits, characteristics and principles are required to be a great leader, but truthfully when it comes down to the grind, the most significant factor is simply whether that leader is accomplishing the mission or job.
My philosophies on leadership have progressed over time through research, experiences in the military, and recently successes and failures starting my own business. I stand firm on the belief that great leaders are highly devoted to the development of their younger leaders. They also understand that being a successful leader is a lifelong endeavor. They know that their team culture is the foundation to accomplishing anything. They are in a perpetual state of preparation and embrace the inevitable changes they and their business will face along the way.
What Do Others Say About What Makes a Great Leader?
For this article, I gathered the perspectives of others and had them answer one question:
“What makes a great leader?”
Below are their responses:
-
“It’s not a position or title that makes you a leader. A great leader sets an example of what is right.”
-
“A great leader listens to others and uses that information to make the company better for everyone."
-
“Great leaders push those around them constructively to be the best they can be."
-
“Effective leaders understand that a team is composed of many people. It's important to understand each team member's strengths and weaknesses to ensure mission success."
-
“Don’t play the blame game, make the hard choices, and own them. Great leaders will come across some hard choices and selflessness to ensure the success of the people around them.”
What's the Be-Know-Do of Great Leaders?
In closing, a successful leader requires a combination of skill sets, but it starts in one's faith and belief in being a leader. Army has this leadership paradigm known as “BE-KNOW-DO” in short:
BE – The example and role model that you, your mission, your unit, and the United States Army expect of you.
KNOW – The standards and responsibilities better than anyone else, be the subject matter expert (SME).
DO – (To me the most important) DO IT, Lead by example! Whatever you expect ensure that you are doing it as well for example, if you expect people to be 15 minutes early then you be at least 20 minutes early.
Great leadership abilities come from understanding and mastering basic leadership abilities. Wouldn't you agree?
—
Sean Beech
Fenix Strategies Instructor/Adviser
Online Security Courses Available From NITA
Whether you are seeking to enhance existing knowledge or seeking to develop to enter the industry for the first time, the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) has an online curriculum program to fit your needs.
NITA’s online courses for security professionals offers up-to-date professional development instruction on industry trends as well as fundamental grass roots security themes. NITA is already a state-approved provider of basic training for Private Investigators and the school’s continuing education courses include online instruction for professionals across a wide array of security and PI professions.
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.