sense of duty, and a willingness to admit mistakes
Honesty and integrity; strength of character
The ability to remain alert and staying focused
The ability to make decisions quickly when necessary
A willingness to empower subordinates, combined with the ability to administer a system of rewards for superior performance and consequences for substandard performance fairly and impartiallyá
The ability to foster team cohesiveness, combined with a commitment to the development and success of subordinates
The ability to motivate employees; to make others feel important
Despite the old adage that leaders are born, the truth is that leaders are more often than not made, not born. Learning and refining a set of skills develop leadership. According to Tina Sung of Training and Development, the alternative (and correct) theory is that proper coaching and training can develop the initiative, self-confidence and charisma necessary to become an effective leader. In other words, leadership can be learned from studying and observing leaders who are effective, and by putting into practice what is learned (Sung, 2003, 14). Jill Goski, Gail Blackstone, and Jules Laing of Public Personnel Management agree with Sung. They describe an innovative and effective leadership-training program established in Ramsey County, Minnesota. They explain that the Leadership Academy incorporates several learning methods. Some of the approaches utilized include group activities and experiential learning; reading, reflection, and writing on leadership topics - in addition to interactive presentations with experts. The goals involve helping supervisors would benefit by polishing existing strengths and developing new competencies so that they will continue to contribute to their employer and to their community (Goski, Blackstone, Laing, 2002, 517).
Bruce Avolio writes in Psychology Today that leadership is a mixture of biology and learned techni...