In what criteria? I mean, in group work or team-related work (within workplace, university or otherwise) I often end up being the "leader" (at least the de facto leader anyway). But people say that's mostly because of my very loud voice (as a norm) and by strong personality (people often remark that if I talk or speak too much, I often "dominate" the conversation or topic with my own ideas.) Does that mean I got what it takes to be a leader? I am not sure. Not even sure whether or not I am any good at being a leader. I do however often find myself in that roll... so make what you will of that.
The ball-balls? Yes. The experience? Yes. The skills? Jobs got done. Step up at the end of the world? Probably. Team leader? Nope.
I don't know. What does it take? No, leadership isn't for me, thank you. I don't want to be the shepherd, nor do I want to be the sheep. I'm more happy as a wolf, in or out of sheep's clothing, it's all the same. Or maybe some kind of small rodent.
In any capacity. At work as a manager, sports team captain, group work at a University class as you mentioned.Even in a marriage/relationship.. People like me are difficult because we don't want to lead and we don't want to be led. We remain lone wolves. Find a lone wolf occupation and a lone wolf partner. Then have a lone wolf as a pet.
Guess Im fascinated what makes a good leader. Sometimes loud, decisive and practical is ideal. Im thinking in the military this would be good for seargents and higher ranks. When is a quiet shy introverted type suitable to become a leader? Id say never. You got to be extroverted, interested in people. Also I think being a good listener is very important. (managers at work comes to mind)Being able to use the input from others, synthesise it with your own views and make good decisions. You still have to have good ideas yourself and have a game plan for the future. There are so many skills required for good leadership though. The world needs them though. We can all be much happier when leaders do a good job.
It depends what you mean - I was a team leader for 6 years til I got promoted (these days I manage a specialist area with budget but no direct line management - that was my choice because line management is a ball ache) I sure as hell wouldn't want to be a national leader or something like that
I have started things. I have been leading things or development. If I must lead, the first thing I do is to take care that I can withdraw so that the thing or development or what ever does not suffer when I leave. I don't know if that makes me a leader or a looser or a escapee or something else. I don't want to lead. I don't like it. If there is someone else to do it, fine, it's his/her job then. If there is none else and it is about something very important... Well... Maybe.. But only until there is someone else who continues bloody leading. And that can't be a person that thinks leading is about her or him. Leading is a nuisance.
I have been before, so I'd imagine I do, but I'd really rather not. I don't really enjoy politics, especially office politics that eventually boils down to people squabbling like kindergartners over the Flintstones Phone. Being a leader means being forced to sooth and placate and micro manage peoples egos, whereas my first instinct is to leave it alone and go about getting my job done until it's something I can bring popcorn to.
Almost anyone does, in the right circumstances. In the Marine Corps, they taught us that the secret to leadership lies in only two words: Follow Me.
I think it is a good experience for us to try and be a leader. Now that experience is usually not useful for the those that have to follow you, until you improve in confidence and competence. But that's life and it happens all the time in reality. leaders who are not perfect.
A couple of interview boards certainly thought so. Leadership I can do, but management drives me mental. That's what 2ICs are for, though!
Fuckin A - its worse when management puts demands on you that are anti ethical to being a good leader (like where you are instructed that you can't give a team member excellent in their review because there's only enough money in next years budget for acceptable (PRP sucks)… apparently ignoring the directive and then suggesting that they down grade my review in order to free up enough money wasn't good financial management .. team loved me for it though
its not great leadership if you get killed early and your unit gets slaughtered because you aren't directing the fight … there's a reason why the command unit goes in the middle of the patrol order instead of walking point.
The Follow Me was philosophical, not tactical. The idea was that a leader doesn't send men into harm's way, he takes them there.
In Finland it is tactical. It has always worked well. Casualties/rotation among NCO:s and officers have been high in wars. I suppose it is the only way that orders like "no withrawal, no surrending, we die in these positions" will be obeyed.
