– Inspire confidence and trust so that there is maximum co-operation from the group.
– An understanding of human nature to appreciate the attitude of the group.
– Ability to make decisions under pressure.
– Confidence both in the group and themselves.
– The ability to create a sense of direction. Leaders should have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve with their group, department, business unit or organisation.
– The ability to think strategically.
– Entrepreneurial abilities.
– The ability to lead from the front. Leaders must be able to inspire and motivate, to translate the vision into achievement.
– The possession of good communication skills.
The leader needs to use these skills to satisfy Adair’s three principle requirements of leadership:
Satisfy the task’s needs. The leader ensures that the purpose – completion of the task – is fulfilled.
Satisfy the group’s needs. Until the task is completed, the group has to be held together; the leader must maintain team spirit and build morale.
Satisfy the individual’s needs. Each member of a group or team has individual needs and the leader should try to ascertain these needs and work towards satisfying them as far as is possible within the group’s needs.