Leadership

1. Much has been written about the tasks of leaders and the skills required for leadership. But much of the success or failure of leaders is determined by who the leader is and by their personal characteristics.

There has been considerable debate about the question of whether leaders are born or made. Likely behind these arguments is the difference between personal characteristics that some people have at birth and skills that one can acquire through education and practice. But the important personal characteristics, while they may seem innate in some people, can be cultivated, and indeed, require cultivation in all of us. For unless they are strengthened through conscious attention and cultivation, they can, for example, easily be forgotten or ignored in the frenzy of activity often associated with leadership. Burns (1979) Now let us take a look at how a leader personal values can determine the success or the failure of the organization.

I choose my clinic manager, Mr. William Paige also known as "Benjamin Franklin." Everyone in my clinic calls him "Benjamin Franklin" because his stature resembles that of the former President of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin. He had been my clinic manager for the past four years with the Department of Veterans affairs in the Gastroenterology department. He is one of the best managers that I have come across. He is very professional, hardworking and sincere. Because of his exceptional traits, characteristics and values, he made the gastroenterology clinic to be one of the best departments in the whole hospital. As an employee, I value a manager or a leader who encourages empowerment and respects the opinions of others. Truly, great leaders learn from their staff members and listen to their ideas, this my clinical manager does. He is flexible, fair and he also values the unique characteristics and opinions of others regardless of their position at work, religion, culture or sexual orientation.

As the clinic manager of the Gastroenterology department team, he was voted the "most valuable manager" for more than a year. While he excels in clinic management, he assisted the hospital to win an important yearly inspection, JACHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations). He has never behaved as if he is better than others. Instead, he worked hard to support the staff members, the clinic and enhance unity within the department. Not to be boastful, he prides himself in being able to coordinate the doctors and all other members of the department in pursuit of a common goal, which is the well-being of all patients that are seen in the Gastroenterology clinic.

One of the main reasons why I choose my clinical manager, Mr. Paige is because of his integrity. Integrity is doing what one says he is going to do and at the same time, believing in what one believes in. There is a saying that, "What you see is what you get." This is just another way to describe Mr. Paige. He has always been the same person ever since I have known him. He never tries to change who he is or pretends to be someone else.

A good leader cares for others and their well-being. Such caring means the leader is collegial, building a sense of group identity and purpose. A good leader "brings out the best" in his/ her team members, seeks their developments and advancements in their various fields, and delights in each team member growth. A good leader rejoices in the success of the team members without an ounce of jealousy. A good leader is deliberative, involving the group in decisions wherever possible and encourages, supports, and applauds the members of the team.

A good leader takes responsibility seriously but never takes himself seriously. Such a leader can help his employees relax and get through tough situations in good spirits. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader "walks the talk" and in doing so earns respect from others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads. Bondas (2007)

A good leader is enthusiastic about their work and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen as a part of the team working towards the same goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the work done when it is needed.

A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader conveys confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team members.

A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor. Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. A good leader, as well as keeping the main goal in focus, is able to think analytically. While keeping the goal in view, a good leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it.

A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. A leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas of the organization. For example, my clinic manager, Mr. Paige always put efforts in the smooth running of the clinic. He does things that majority of other staff members won't do, like staying late after work sometimes to get left over work completed on time. Where most other staff lacks, he persevere. He serves as an excellent example to other department managers who strives to be just like him. A good leader doesn't just order things; he does it so that others can do it. He not only motivates his staff members in personal development but also other people around him.

Great leaders are never fully formed. They continue to learn from others, to grow as individuals and to strive for improvement. Borbasi (2001)

I am very proud of my clinic manager leadership qualities and I am certain that he have the capacity to continue to improve on his skills, traits, values as well as his characteristics.