Why Strong Leadership is Important for Your Organization

The direction of your company's leaders determines the course of your company. Choose good leaders or suffer the consequences.

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by Ethan Hausmann

We all know that leadership is important, but how do you pick good leaders for your business? Are leaders born or grown? What is the measure of a great leader? How you answer these questions determines the future of your company.

Where leaders come from
An old adage states, "Leaders don't flock together, you find them one at a time." This implies that leaders are discovered like a treasure in a cave. Some might think that certain individuals are born leaders. It might seem this way on the outside, but the truth is leaders are shaped by their experiences. A person is only a great leader because of the challenges they have overcome in their lives.

Anyone can be a great leader, given the right mix of experiences. The key is to develop a company culture and environment that fosters the growth of new leaders.

Signs of a great leader
Good leadership is obvious. A true leader inspires his or her followers. People should feel confident about themselves and believe they can accomplish anything.

Also, a great leader isn't afraid of other leaders. They don't put down their followers in the hopes of retaining their power. If a better strategy is suggested, then a new leader can step up and lead the group.

A winning leader takes the time to think. They don't rush into a situation. A leader evaluates all the options and picks the best solution.

How to pick your leaders
A good leader is nothing without followers. People won't follow someone unless they feel like he or she deserves their allegiance. The leader of your company must earn the respect of others before formally taking command. Leaders should prove themselves and gain the trust of those they lead.

Once the right to lead is firmly established, then the selection process is irrelevant. Whether the leader is nominated by his or her peers or selected by the board of directors, the end result will be the same. Everyone will agree that the best person for the job was chosen.

Finding a great leader isn't easy. Cultivating leadership is the key to filling your company with these exceptional people.