HISTORY has seen a parade of great leaders who have had a huge impact on the world in which we now live.
Iconic leaders such as Winston Churchill and Alexander the Great are still remembered for their ability to lead their country to victory during war.
Modern-day leaders include our very own prime minister, Gordon Brown, and powerful businessmen such as Sir Richard Branson and Apprentice entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar. So what does it take to be a leader? Jeff Burns of professional presenters and magicians Fifth Dimension recently enrolled in a course run by Common Purpose, an international leadership development organisation, to find out.
The Common Purpose Matrix programme brings together a wide variety of individuals from the public, private and voluntary sectors who have all displayed the traits necessary to becoming a great leader.
Jeff said: “The course gave me a great insight into different types of leaders and the qualities which make a leader. It provided a fantastic opportunity to mix with people from backgrounds and vocations very different to my own.
“The ability to build relationships with people from different organisations also helped to bring a fresh perspective to the challenges that I face in my business. With so many key industry business people under one roof, everyone was able to bring a different view to the group.”
There are many different leadership styles, some good and some not so good. Whether you are managing a team at work, captaining your sports team or leading a major corporation, your leadership style is crucial to your success.
Jeff said: “Understanding your style and the impact it has can improve your technique and make you a better leader. Learning about leadership styles is just one of the ways that you can build your career.
“Leadership is no easy role; it’s not all about sitting back and dishing out orders to those around you. Ego and ambition are the enemies of true leadership. Leadership does not come without difficulty and hard work, the development is long and tough.”
Jeff added: “Leaders have to be able to manage people effectively, take responsibility and come forth when there is a crisis. They must be trustworthy and display a positive attitude even when times are bad.
“They must be good communicators, listen well and give clear, easily understood instructions. A good leader always puts others first and takes their feelings, values and goals into consideration. It’s also important that they create an environment where the team can flourish. That may involve bringing the necessary resources together and then letting the team get on with it, which can be easier said than done. This gives team members the opportunity to grow and encourages them to start developing their own leadership abilities. Leaders must be prepared for whatever challenges may lie ahead and reward the efforts and successes of others.”
Jeff started the Common Purpose course in October 2008 and graduated in March 2009. He learned how to push himself to extend his influence and take responsibility beyond his own organisation, to make real change, both at work and in the wider world.
Jeff said: “The course gave me a much wider focus than I had previously. In the current economical climate I think it’s more important than ever to keep morale high in the workplace to keep moving forward successfully.
“Leadership doesn’t only apply to specific industries and roles, it can be as simple as doing that little bit extra in our communities to help make a difference around us. As leaders we don’t always have to have the answers. A leader is powerless without a supportive team backing them. We can learn from them and also seek help from fellow leaders even if they are experts in a completely different area.”
For further information about Fifth Dimension contact 01224 706755 or 07764 793897, e-mail info@fifthdimension.biz or visit www.fifthdimension.biz