status and is held in high esteem by peers, subordinates and superiors alike. Typically, the charismatic leader is also visionary, courageous, value driven and serves as an agent of change within the organization. Transformational leaders who use individual stimulation exhibit a high level of awareness of current employee problems. Ways in which this awareness is created include life experience, the ability to handle ambiguity, the ability to handle complexity and uncertainty, and the demonstration of intellectual courage. The third type of transformational leader uses consideration for the individual, which is considered the final behavioral pattern of the transformational leader. Leaders who exhibit this trait understand their individual subordinates through one-to-one interaction. These leaders have a concern for and a belief in their individuals (Kouzes, 2003).
Leading through example, recognizing the unique contributions of individuals, and operating with integrity and respect for others can be difficult. Young leaders are not likely to have the experience to generate strong loyalty from their subordinates in these areas, but with experience and an awarenesr that these trahts are critical, leaders can develop these skills and use them successfully in the workplace.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEADERS
Attempting to quantify what makes a strong leader can be a difficult process. Personally, I believe that integrity is the characteristic which is most valuable to a leader. Followers must be convinced of the integrity of the leader at all times, or they will lose their respect and their willingness to follow the leader. Integrity in and of itself does not confer morality on a leader's choices; integrity means simply that the individual who proposes to lead is truly committed to the path he has chosen. This is one of the reasons that apparent despots may also be strong leaders.
Another important characteristic f...