Leadership Skills

INTRODUCTION

Leadership skills is considered as one the most observed yet least understood phenomenon on earth (Burns 1978, Jogulu 2010). Good leadership cannot be defined by a fixed set of characteristics; neither can it be summarized by a defined set of actions or behavioral traits. It cannot also be measure by successful accomplishments or tasks. House et al. (2004) attempted to define it as one's ability to motivate his peers, generate eccentric ideas that contribute to developing an organization, and move it towards success. It is significantly essential and contributes to achieving a mutual goal by leading a movement in synchronization to a common goal (Arnold and Randall et al, 2010). A successful leader is one who practices impartiality and renders decisions based on experience without bias and prejudice. There are numerous theories that help elaborate the basic concept of leadership and its related traits. The consensus is; that an effective leader is one who understands his sub-ordinates and their reactions, implements actions according to the abilities of his team thus, achieves success in attaining set goals. (Arnold and Randall et al, 2010)

In a recent UNESCO delegation, Arne Duncan mentioned that today's world is a knowledge economy and education is the new currency by which nations maintain economic competitiveness and global prosperity. Teachers are a relevant example of leadership in modern life. They are paradoxically mischaracterized as incompetent leaders, however, in reality they should be considered as in-dispensable assets in the truest meaning of the word. They ultimately control the learning and intellectual development of young people in their charge and play a vital role in cultivating the new generation.

It is mentioned in various literature that the following traits are essential for a true and inspiring leader, these traits are Intelligence, Self-Confidence, Energy, Persistence And Sound Technical Knowledge. According to Lord and Maher (1993, Andrews and Field, 1998) personal behaviour at work, personality traits and attitude at work determines what the followers perceive and how well they are involved in the success of the organization (Stogdill, 1974; House and Baetz, 1979 , Arnold and Randall et al, 2010). In lieu with the above mentioned criteria, the traits of the interviewee is described in the following table;

Personality Characteristics Behaviors Effects on Followers

Dominant Role model Trust

Dedicated Competency Acceptance

Confident Goals Obedience

Strong moral value Communication Increase achievement of goals

House, R.J. (1976). A 1976 theory of charismatic leadership.

In J.G Hunt & L.L Larson (Eds), Leadership: The cutting edge (pp 189-207).

Carbonale: Southern Illinois University Press

Having graduated from the same institution, the interviewee possesses sufficient knowledge about the educational system and the subject. She understands the communication networks and can adequately convey and delegate orders.