How to Demonstrate Your Leadership Potential by Ravindra Shenoy U (Assistant Professor MAHE, Manipal)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal was founded in the year 1953. The status of Deemed to be University was given by the Government of India in 1993. Manipal Academy of Higher Education is recognised by UGC. MBBS, MBA, B.Tech, B.Sc., MD, MA, are some of the courses offered by MAHE. Manipal Academy of Higher Education admissions are entrance exam based.

Leadership is a vital force that binds the organisation’s functions and leads it towards achieving a common goal. Leadership is a cohesive force that integrates people with varied skills and abilities and motivates them to work to better the organisational goal.

Potential leaders must possess exquisite traits and skills to become suitable for this role.
It may include characteristics such as Problem-solving, Self-confidence, vision and risk-taking, which encompasses the passion to work and excel. It also needs one to possess skills of guiding and motivating others.

Many a time, an individual may possess one or more of the skills as mentioned earlier, but for the management to identify that and then hand over key roles, one needs to demonstrate the possession of the qualities through live performance.

How to demonstrate leadership potential

It is true that opportunity knocks on the door, and one needs to be all eyes and ears to grab such opportunities. Demonstration of qualities one possesses has to be done every time the opportunity arises. True leadership is always identified at an early stage, so it is necessary to be displayed early.

Leading by example
The world is demanding, and it is also essential that one displays his commitment to excellence by consistently delivering tasks with high quality, initiating tasks and shouldering challenges. This will be a standard for others to emulate. The leader should lead from the front whenever the going is tough, similar to a captain who plays a crucial role in a do-or-die situation.

Communication holds the key

Clarity in communication is the most essential characteristic of any individual. In corporate scenarios, communication needs to be crisp and clear. If concepts are put forth, it would help the other person understand it better. Additionally, the leader should demonstrate good listening skills that would foster confidence in his team members.

Taking the first bite

Leadership is about taking risks, and often, the person may have to take the initiative when others are skeptical about it. This proactiveness separates the leaders from the followers. Therefore, a potential leader should be able to put his hand up whenever there is a need for it.

Taking the bull by its horns

Challenges are a vital part of life, and more so in corporate life. A leader needs to demonstrate his ability to take up challenges and successfully face and come out of them unscathed. Therefore, a potential leader should always be ready to face challenges. A great opponent or a demanding situation may be the bull that needs to be met, and who better than a leader can show the path.

Adaptability
A leader needs to demonstrate his ability to adapt to changing conditions, and flexibility to work with different ideas, different people and different locations with different roles. It is like a batsman who could bat anywhere in the line-up and roll his arm over when the situation demands to bowl, forging partnerships with tail-enders when needed. This characteristic instils a considerable degree of confidence in the team.

Decision-making ability

A leader may have to make critical decisions when faced with a challenging situation. A prudent leader weighs the pros and cons of various options before making the right decision. The timing of the decision also may hold a key in this situation.

Preparing the second line of command

A leader’s success is not just measured only by his performance, but also necessary to mentor and coach a second line of command, to whom authority can be partially delegated in the early days. These understudies can be later groomed as leaders, as they would have sufficient exposure to leadership tasks.

Humility

Sometimes, a high degree of confidence may lead to arrogance; therefore, another virtue, humility, is essential to keep the leader's feet on the ground. This instils confidence and good teamwork among the team members, and a high level of motivation to work.

Students must display these virtues at an early stage in the schools and universities, as that would give them a better understanding of the potential of the individuals so that they can be elevated to the role of a leader. Hence, potential leaders are advised to encash opportunities whenever available to showcase their leadership potential.

Also, Higher education institutions have a very big role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. The opportunities provided by higher education institutions would help potential leaders identify their talents, garner knowledge and understand the application of key leadership skills. This will enable them to become more robust and stable leaders who can take well-informed decisions with a balanced mind.

Disclaimer: This content has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal and Careers360.