Good Leadership

Good leadership consists of motivating people to their highest levels by offering them opportunities, not obligations. (Lao Tzu)

Leadership is in the eye of the follower. (Simon Caulkin)

You should strive for excellence in Leadership – this will make you an excellent Captain.

While it is difficult to continuously project all of the following good Leadership qualities you should endeavour to display the majority of them at most times – otherwise you will lose the respect of your followers and team members. Poor Leaders are poor Captains.

Outlined below is a comprehensive list of characteristics, traits and values that good Leaders, and therefore good Captains, should possess and display:

• Leads by example



• Aviates, Navigates, Communicates and Manages – in that priority order



• Is an influential, credible, consistent role model with integrity and is aware that their every move is examined, judged, scrutinised and often copied by their followers



• Delegates when appropriate, regulates the tempo and pace when possible, spreads the workload, prioritises tasks and utilises available team members expertise so that spare mental capacity is available to allow management, planning, risk assessment, decision making and implementation of action



• Is highly driven, intrinsically motivated and innovative, but also fosters that same enthusiasm in their followers



• Sets a high personal standard, is a disciplined and skilled performer who readily and openly admits own mistakes



• Well organised, well prepared and as a result, rarely caught off guard



• Communicates well, but matches words with actions



• Has a sense of humour and promotes fun with excellence, along with a passion and joy for the job and task at hand



• Is calm in a crisis, tolerates ambiguity, applies common sense, simplifies complex situations and operates optimally, intelligently and flexibly when under pressure and is able to direct the team in difficult situations



• Establishes and maintains an appropriate positive Command gradient, leaves no doubt as to who is the Leader and is firm but fair



• Is approachable and establishes and maintains an open, respectful, sincere and supportive team atmosphere, being mindful of each team member’s welfare



• Is confident, proactive and readily and promptly takes command if the situation dictates and uses the correct and appropriate level of authority



• Involves other team members in the planning and decision making process and explains the rationale behind the final decision



• Relates well with other people and has good Interpersonal and CRM skills



• Able to modify and change Leadership styles to suit the particular situation



• Takes into account each individual’s needs and abilities, builds their self esteem and self satisfaction and provides opportunities for the individual to perform and gain experience



• Is aware of their followers’ workload, tasks, duties and abilities



• Builds, moulds, and engenders a sound team spirit and morale to maintain good team work, clearly states performance standards and objectives and monitors and guides the team’s performance

Do you have what it takes to be a good Leader?