LEADERSHIP
(with excerpts from A -Z of Leadership by Dr. Maxwell Ubah )

There are several definitions of the word leadership and this means different things to different people, and yet leadership is one item that is  in short supply.

There are four cardinal ‘P’s to be considered in leadership:

• The PERSON of the leader
• The PEOPLE  being led
• The PROCESS of leadership
• The PRODUCT that comes out of the process of leadership.

Being an effective leader starts from being self aware. You must truly understand yourself and know that everyone’s true nature is exposed when faced with pressure. You must also be aware of the impact you have on others and know what really matters to you and align your behaviour with your core values.
It’s about AUTHENTICITY! You need to be a good leader of self, you need to be a good leader of others, before you can be a leader of leaders.

Traits of Great Leaders:

1. Great Leaders appreciate and value diversity. Diversity goes beyond just gender, ethnicity or tribe. Diversity speaks to thought- that you have a conclave of different people who are free to come together with different ideas and that bring richness to the entity.
2. Great Leaders must provide service to others without creating dependencies.
3. Great Leaders continue to learn, grow and develop others.
4. Great Leaders consciously and purposely choose an approach that suits the occasion or  situation.
5. Great Leaders encourage and empower others.

Reference:
“The Alphabet of Leadership – Dr. Maxwell Ubah