Characteristics of Effective Business Leaders

The purpose of this report was to identify the characteristics of effective leaders in the field of business. To that end, a qualitative review of relevant literature was undertaken. A number of theoretical discussions of leadership were included. Specifically, Fiedler's theory of situational or contingency leadership and theories of transformational leadership were examined in the report.

The literature suggests that the effective leader today is a person capable of articulating a strategic vision for the organization, motivating others to achieve that vision, empowering subordinates, effectively communicating with all stakeholders, and functioning as an agent of change. Effective leaders do not appear to be "born" but they do appear to share a number of key characteristics or personality traits that distinguish them from followers.

Leadership is increasingly linked to effective business strategy and to strategic thinking at all levels of the organization. Leaders may function differently during different stages of the corporation's life. Above all, effective leaders are credible, dedicated, passionate, competitive, realistic, willing and able to make strategic moves, and capable of attracting the right talent to their organizations. They are also flexible and able to capitalize upon new opportunities.

There are as many definitions of leadership as there are writers on t

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NON-STRATEGIC * Broad view with zoom-in * Narrow view * Abstract with powerful enga- * Concrete with no engagement gement of the imagination of the imagination * Abstraction illustrated * Concrete illustration only with concrete examples * Important, non-intuitive, * Generally understood ideas that framework-breaking ideas fit within consensus framework * Embraces alternatives * Embraces neither alternatives and uncertainties nor uncertainties * Aims to achieve an * Focuses on supporting goals over-arching goal Keelin and Arnold argue that effective leaders develop the capacity for strategic thinking and action by cultivating several distinct habits. They "get into the game," engaging in a struggle to win; they embrace confusion and contradictory thoughts, cultivate calmness of mind, manage their own thoughts and cultivate clarity of expression. As Keelin and Arnold put it, "We cannot think of a single field in which the ability to communicate well isn't essential for leadership and professional advancement. You may have developed a powerful strategic perspective, but if you express it poorly, then others cannot benefit from it.

Category: Business - C