by Dossie M Terrell

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 14, 2012

If you assess your leadership style, the first quality you will want to look for in yourself is whether folks respect you enough to follow you? Are you a forward thinking person or do you continue to do things because they have always been done a certain way? Many folks are afraid of change, therefore, it takes someone who is vested in what they do, to continue leading when there is active opposition. How do you get them on your side? Below are some of the qualities of an effective leader.

Take charge in an agreeable way

Effective leaders are easily identifiable as they are effusive, charismatic and confident. If there are problems to resolve, they never need to announce their position, they simply step up and do what needs to be done and endeavor to do it right the first time.

Inspire confidence in others

Effective leaders inspire their employees' trust. They are resolute and determined. They are able to communicate clearly and decisively their vision to those in their charge. They work to obtain buy-in from their staff and are likely to get known slackers to move in the right direction.

Stimulate others' imagination

Effective leaders are ground-breakers and inventive, they look for ways to stimulate the imaginations of those in their charge. They do not micro-manage as they build upon the strengths of each of those in their charge. They encourage them to do their best and to that end, they expect constructive results. They see the best in their staff members and try their best to place folks in positions where they can maximize their potentials. They realize this not only inspires confidence in staff members, but they also know that contented employees help maximize the company's margin of profits.

Lead by example

Effective leaders lead by example. Even in harried situations, they take responsibility for whatever happens on their watch. They are not afraid to acknowledge occasional mistakes as they treat errors as training opportunities to further enrich the efficacy of the company. In all things, effective leaders treat those in their charge evenhandedly and equitable.

Realize they must be approachable

Effective leaders are approachable, but implicit in their deportment is an air of authority that demands the respect of those in their charge. They tend to make the effort to know something personal about each staff. They realize that taking a few minutes to speak with each staff, from time to time, and engage in conversation w ith

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