By: Dr. Mazila binti Ghazali K.B,P.A

Being a leader is not easy. To be a leader usually does not run away from being a follower first. Surely each of us has a dream to be a leader instead of being a follower all our lives. Many great leaders actually start out as followers. To be a great leader, it is necessary to have the following characteristics:

1. SUFFICIENT COURAGE. Based on knowledge and experience in the known field, no follower wants to be directed by a leader who lacks self-confidence and is timid. People who are intelligent, and good at judging attitudes will not last long under a leader who does not have this characteristic. Courage is very important, because with courage, a leader will be seen as an individual who has the ability to influence his followers.

2. SELF CONTROL. An important aspect that must be present in the personality of a leader is good self-control. This is because people who cannot control themselves will not be able to control others. The ability to control oneself becomes an effective example for his followers. Wise followers are usually able to judge the self-control characteristics of their leaders. Indirectly, they will try to follow the attitude of their leader.

3. FAIR AND THOROUGH. Without a fair and just attitude, no leader can maintain loyal followers and receive the respect they deserve. They will definitely move to another place as soon as they find out that their leader does not have a noble attitude. Fairness and fairness in any decisions and actions towards followers is very important. The value of a leader who leads will be highly regarded by followers if he is fair and just. Otherwise, the leader will face problems in his leadership.

4. CONFIDENT OF THE DECISION. Leaders who vacillate with the decisions made show that their self-confidence is low. Every decision made by someone who holds the title of leader must be based on accurate and true facts. Leaders will make wrong decisions if they are too emotional. Therefore, the decisions made later will definitely be contradictory and will disrupt the work process and the relationship with the team. Therefore, a great leader will definitely play an important role in making any decision and put his team as a supporter and giver of input before the right decision is made. Sometimes a joint decision after a discussion is made is the right decision for the common good.

5. PLAN PROPERLY. A good leader will plan carefully. Then the planning will be implemented with full precision. A leader who is only good at talking and not good at doing work is the most useless leader. A leader who does not plan well and carefully, can be likened to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later the group he leads will end up on the shallow beach, unable to move anymore. The ship's helmsmen are those who are strong and do not easily fall under the storm, do not rebel easily when reprimanded and always do self-introspection to see the good things done and the things that need to be changed.

6. TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY. Respected leaders will take responsibility for the mistakes or shortcomings of their followers. If any follower makes a mistake, it's the leader's fault for not making sure they do a good job. If they avoid taking responsibility, their leadership lifespan will be short. Therefore, leading is not an easy thing because all the followers rest on the shoulders of the leader. Leaders need to be at the forefront in carrying out any work and consider the work as a trust that needs to be carried out as best as possible.

Date of Input: 30/08/2023 | Updated: 30/08/2023 | ayna