Leadership
And this fits very well my current position, thus I thought I might share some thoughts / ideas in respect to leadership.
Starting point = leadership Definition as per Collins English Dictionary
1. The position or function of a leader.
2. the period during which a person occupies the position of leader: during her leadership very little was achieved.
3. a. the ability to lead. b. (as modifier): leadership qualities.
4. the leaders as a group of a party, union, etc.: the union leadership is now very reactionary.
Not to forget = qualities to follow vs those not to follow:
honesty vs arrogance
confidence vs dishonesty
knowledgable vs selfishness
intelligent vs ignorant
ability vs rude
willingness vs indecisiveness
Leadership styles = transformational or transactional
Many organizations require from leaders the ability to set and communicate goals, motivate, inspire initiative and empower the followers and facilitate change. Such style of leadership is known as transformational. On the other hand they may require effectively coordinating the subordinates in accordance with procedures and standards; this type of leadership is typically referred as transactional.
Transactional leaders achieve set goals by acting within established procedures and standards. This leader assigns specific, well-defined tasks to subordinates and requires that they fulfill their responsibilities and meet standards precisely as prescribed or agreed upon. As far as reward and correction methods are concerned, think of the “carrot and stick” approach. The transactional rewards are material (e.g. raise, award or “job security”). However, psychological rewards are also present in transactional leadership (explicit positive feedback, praise).
When might such leadership be useful? The transactional leadership style may, for example, be useful in crisis management or in emergency response, and in situations when activities must be carried out efficiently and exactly as planned.
Transformational leadership generally aims at higher goals than transactional does. Transformational leaders achieve the goals by inspiring and motivating followers and encouraging their initiative. Transformational leaders are able to create vision. They are able to establish a shared vision and sense of purpose among team members.
Transformational leadership goes beyond just monitoring the performance of the followers and being reactive (providing negative feedback and corrective action when noticing an issue). It also puts a great emphasis on being proactive, establishing long term goals, facilitating change, seeking continuous improvement, and giving the followers an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
More here
To conclude = how to improve your communication skills?
• Pay attention and listen carefully.
• Make notes and sketches.
• Ask questions and repeat your understanding of what was said.
• Be sure others are listening before you speak.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Draw diagrams, if needed. Ask those receiving information to take notes.
• Have the listeners repeat their understanding of what was said. Encourage questions.