Characteristics of Leaders Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Characteristics of Leaders - Research Paper Example The main characteristics of leadership such as self-confidence, good communication, humility, interpersonal influence, trustworthiness, forerunner, sense of humor, dynamism, authenticity, readiness to be held responsible and ability to maintain cordial relations with the people are presented in detail in this paper. The world has witnessed several great leaders. Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela are some of the examples. The qualities they treasured in their life are also briefly discussed in this paper. The last part of this paper discusses the difference between the leaders and managers. The leaders are very innovative and creative while the manager works mechanically. The term leadership is familiar to all the groups, family, society, organizations, companies etc. There are several definitions for leadership. A single definition of leadership does not give a comprehensive view of this quality of a human being. So we have to take a set of definitions of leadership to have an understanding about it. Leadership could be defined in the following ways. First figuring out what is right, then explaining it to the people, as opposed to first having people explain to you what is right, and then just saying what they want to hear.† (DuBrain, 2009, p.3). From the given definitions of leadership we can assume some leadership qualities and characteristics that are required for a leader. The first definition gives interpersonal influence and communication as the two main characteristics of leadership. These are the most important two qualities required for a leadership. Interpersonal influence means the ability of a leader to conquer the heart of their followers. The leader should be friendly among his people their by maintaining his commanding power. Instead, he has to develop the skill of influencing people to get in tune with the objectives of the group or the