Leadership Competency

The art of leadership competency is nothing more than the application of 3 fundamental characteristics:

1. Knowledge
   Knowledge is all the required information in order to do a job or task. This may include technical, managerial, leadership, psychological and other information. This is important to demonstrate, to convince and influence your people that you know exactly what you want them to do. One should never be shy of knowledge or rank or status. The virtue of humility has a far reaching impact in the build up of trust. Knowledge is the intellectual dimension that allows a leader to build positive power of influence. People would listen enthusiastically because of the wisdom being shared, not because they have to!
2. Courage
   Courage can be measured in terms of physical and moral. Whilst physical courage has its significance in the military, it is moral courage that separates the professional from the amateur. A leader without moral courage is one without a backbone. Moral courage is the foundation for integrity because it gives you the strength of character within never to fear anyone or anything in leading your people. In a corporate context, this would mean standing up for righteousness, standing by your people, fighting for any injustice, rewarding them accordingly, and punishing them for their wrong doings, including termination. A leader must, when the situation demands, choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.
3. Compassion
   This is the emotional dimension that underscores the caring nature of a leader towards his fellow workers, particularly when the chips are down. It is a reflection of the degree of willingness to listen with your mind and heart. Compassion is not about treating people with "welfare" outlook, but rather treating people with respect, trust and care they deserve as human beings. If they have weaknesses or not performing up to expectations, then it is incumbent upon leadership to extend a helping hand in overcoming it effectively and efficiently. A leader who is willing to bridge the gap, listen to and empathize with his workers will earn their respect and sacrifice - paving the way to the ultimate test of all leadership: willingness.

That in a nutshell is what leadership is all about, be you from any walk of life. Wherever you are or go, as long as you are a leader you shall be measured by these characteristics. Leadership is not about management, power authority, position or wondrous charm - it's about inspiring and influencing people to do things, willingly.