Page 3 - Lesson Note 5

conflicts, he handles them carefully and does not allow it to adversely affect the
entity. A positive and efficient work environment helps in stable growth of the

organization.
6. Co-ordination: A leader reconciles the personal interests of the employees with
the organizational goals and achieves co-ordination in the entity.
7. Creating Successors: A leader trains his subordinates in such a manner that they
can succeed him in future easily in his absence. He creates more leaders.

8. Induces change: A leader persuades, clarifies and inspires employees to accept
any change in the organization without much resistance and discontentment. He
makes sure that employees don’t feel insecure about the changes.

Often, the success of an organization is attributed to its leaders. But, one must not forget
that it’s the followers who make a leader successful by accepting his leadership. Thus,
leaders and followers collectively play a key role to make leadership successful.

Qualities of Good Leader:

What are the qualities possessed by a good leader? Are there any common traits
(qualities) applicable to all good leaders? How many such qualities should a leader
possess to be successful?

One approach to leadership emphasizes that a person should possess certain qualities or
traits to become a successful leader. It assumes that leaders can be distinguished from
non- leaders by certain unique traits possessed by them.

Some of these qualities are explained below:

1. Physical features: Physical features like height, weight, health, appearance
determine the physical personality of an individual. It is believed that good

physical features attract people. Health and endurance help a leader to work hard
which inspires others to work with same tempo.
2. Knowledge: A good leader should have required knowledge and competence.
Only such person can instruct subordinates correctly and influence them.
3. Integrity: A leader should possess high level of integrity and honesty. He should

be a role model to others regarding the ethics and values.
4. Initiative: A leader should have courage and initiative. He should not wait for
opportunities come to his way, rather he should grab the opportunity and use it to

the advantage of organisation.