What Makes an Effective Leader?

An effective leader can motivate, communicate well and plan effectively.  The qualities that make a leader involve creating fresh possibilities and moving a team forward to develop what is needed in their role.

The management of groups or teams within a school or college is very much dependent on the leader of the group.

The qualities which make a successful school team leader include:

The ability to provide clear directions by:

• establishing goals and standards

• communicating group goals

• involving people in target-setting

• delegating tasks with clarity

The encouragement of open, two-way communication by:

• being open and straight-forward when dealing with people

• being honest, direct and to-the-point

• establishing a climate of openness and trust

Willingness to coach and support people by:

• being supportive and helpful

• being constructive when dealing with poor performance

• supporting the aspirations of colleagues on the team

Recognition of objectives by:

• recognising and appreciating good performance

• acknowledging good performance and contributions publicly

The ability to establish on-going controls in order to:

• follow up important issues and actions

• give the team feedback on their performance

• encourage innovation and new ideas

• give clear-cut decisions when necessary

• demonstrate high levels of personal integrity

Do you agree with the qualities listed above?

What’s missing?

What makes a GREAT leader rather than a good one?