While demonstrating strong values, ethics and knowledge are necessary, by themselves they are not enough to be a good leader. Leaders cannot be effective until they apply what they know. What leaders do is directly related to the influence they have on others and what is done. As with knowledge of their jobs, leaders will gain in experience as they serve in different positions.

There are many types of leaders, some whom we have had first hand experience with while there are those whom we have only heard of from others by word of mouth or possibly from history books. We can learn important lessons from both good and bad leaders and it is important to define those traits in good leaders possess or demonstrate as opposed to what characteristics bad leaders demonstrate.

Knowledge is a key factor in being successful as a leader however; keep in mind that despite how knowledgeable you may be with the organization, its mission or the specific tasks that your team must accomplish, if you fail to influence and motivate your subordinates, you will fail as a leader.

Leadership styles differ from person to person some styles are more effective than others.

There are two basic styles of leadership, the Authoritarian and the Democratic. The Authoritarian Leader is an individual who is in complete charge of every situation. He or She may be very specific in their instructions to their subordinates and may not be very flexible in allowing their subordinates to perform tasks in a different manor even if that manor is more efficient.

Democratic Leaders are individuals who tend to ask for subordinates’ opinions or look for their thoughts before setting a standard towards accomplishing tasks or fulfilling a mission. Democratic Leaders are generally more flexible in accepting subordinates’ ideas and may be inclined to allow subordinates to carry out their tasks with out much direction.

The key is being versatile in your style of leadership. Different situations call for different styles of leadership. It is also important to remember that different people respond better to some forms of leadership than they do to others.

Depending on the situation, a leader may decide the best method approach tasks or goals are by accepting input from his or her subordinates. Many leaders like to gather there teams together and explain the task and then receive feedback from each member of the team. There are two advantages to using this technique. First, by using this technique, a leader can assess the abilities of his or her team based on their feedback. Second, a leader provides mentorship and guidance to his or her team members through this effective form of two way communication; team members are motivated to do their tasks because they feel as though they have had a part in planning how to do the task and reach a common goal. Unfortunately, the situation does not always allow for team meetings. Meeting too often is counter productive. Meeting more than once a week and having a meeting that lasts longer than twenty minutes can actually cause stress and decrease motivation.

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Leaders who are specific about how to complete tasks and do not look for feedback from their subordinates are not necessarily tyrants; their job may dictate that this style of leadership be used. Imagine seeing a house on fire and then spotting a group of firemen standing around discussing the best approach in putting out the fire. That would be absolutely ridiculous. Leaders in this situation must be highly trained and so must be their teams. Leaders who face emergencies or situations that call for decisiveness upon demand can not take time for meetings when immediate action is warranted.

A good leader has both styles, democratic and authoritarian. As a leader you must know, though your skill and experience, which style is used best for a particular situation. Your demonstrated confidence, knowledge, judgment and decisiveness will motivate your subordinates. Being tactful, dependable, just and unselfish will gain their respect. While being a leader, you can be friendly but you are not allowed to be your subordinates’ friend. Your sense of fairness with firmness will always result in a favorable outcome.

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