LEADERSHIP
AT UNIVERSITY , I remember the amount of theory we had to learn about leadership was intense , but people generally settled into two key areas — you were either an autocratic or a paternalistic leader . We even did quizzes that would determine where on the spectrum we sat and the likelihood of our success .
But in the real world , learning how to truly be a leader is very different from actually being one , and in my experience the people around you and the circumstances you face really do define who we are as so-called ‘ leaders ’. I am not going to re-invent the wheel on leadership theory , but one thing I know is that the goal of leadership should not be to always be liked .
Sure , you don ’ t want to be a leader who is hated by all , but you also don ’ t need to go to sleep at night concerned if someone in your office does not like you personally . It actually , at times , does not matter . What does matter is that you are seeing your leadership style impact your environment in such a way that your team is fulfilled and the results are tangible .
I would argue that a leader is less likely to be effective if they are
8 February 2015