3rd February, 2015
By Modupe Eka
Last time we concluded that our main priority in life is to find yourself, knowing yourself is an essential pre-requisite for all wisdom, there is little point knowing about external things if you do not understand yourself first. We established that to develop your own authentic leadership style, your own unique management abilities, and your own motivations in life, you must invest in yourself, an investment in yourself will result in a happier more fulfilling creative and productive you now and in future.
If you do not know yourself and understand yourself, your self esteem will suffer. Without being in touch with yourself you will not be able to truly get in touch with others, and you will never truly be in a position to understand and relate well to others effectively.
Today we shall be looking at our unique personality leadership styles being in a position of leadership will force us to work with other personality styles. When dealing with people it is important to remember that humans are not creatures of logic, but creatures of emotions motivated by pride and vanity.
In a study conducted by Harvard University and Stanford Research Institute it was discovered that ‘Fifteen percent of the reason you get a job, keep a job, and move ahead in that job is determined by technical skills and knowledge…..regardless of your profession. The other 85% has to do with your people skills and people knowledge” For this reasons every leader who is to lead successfully must be able to understand others.
The D personality is direct, demanding, decisive and determined. This person is OUTGOING and TASK-ORIENTED. This kind of person has a desire to get results quickly. As a result, there is a tendency for the D to initiate action right away. Therefore, the best way to visualize the Leadership Position of the “D” leader is OUT IN FRONT of those whom he or she leads
The main motivation of the Directive Leader is to make progress and accomplish the goal at hand. Leading from “out in front” does not mean that the Directive Leader wants to be the main attraction in “front” of others. It simply means that he or she takes the initiative to move into action AND direct others to move into action as well. The Directive Leader is often thought of as a “natural-born leader,” because he or she is very comfortable taking control of a project.
A person with high “I” traits is OUTGOING and PEOPLE-ORIENTED. This kind of person has a desire to engage with others and go where the excitement is! The “I” style is ready to initiate interaction and involvement with others. Therefore, the best way to visualize the Leadership Position of the “I” leader is In the Middle of everyone involved
The main motivation of the Inspirational Leader is to generate enthusiasm and a positive feeling within the environment. The Inspirational Leader is energized by excitement and a sense of approval by those whom he or she leads. The Inspirational Leader has the power to rally others to become involved in a project by spreading his or her contagious brand of optimism.
The Inspirational Leader is often thought of as a “natural sales person,” because he or she can seemingly talk others into almost anything!
A person with high “S” traits is RESERVED and PEOPLE-ORIENTED. This kind of person has a desire to help others and, frankly, to go where everyone else wants to go. The “S” style is ready to support others when called upon. Therefore, the best way to visualize the Leadership Position of the “S” leader is Behind everyone involved
The main motivation of the Supportive Leader is to cultivate good-will and peace within the environment. The Supportive Leader is motivated by a sense of loyalty and the desire to preserve harmony for his or her team. The Supportive Leader has an unassuming approach and is more comfortable serving others quietly and out of the limelight.
The Supportive Leader can often be “the glue” that holds an organization together, because he or she offers a genuine sense of warmth and caring.
A person with high “C” traits is RESERVED and TASK-ORIENTED. This kind of person has a desire to do things properly. The “C” style desires to proceed carefully and methodically to accomplish what is expected of him or her. The best way to visualize the Leadership Position of the “C” leader is on the Side – observing everything that is going on
The main motivation of the Cautious Leader is to correctly carry out the task at hand. The Cautious Leader is mainly driven by logic and what makes the most sense to him or her. The Cautious Leader has a procedural approach and is more comfortable doing things in a step-by-step fashion.
The Cautious Leader is often seen as a “strategic leader,” because he or she prefers to leads according to a pre-calculated plan.
In conclusion we must understand that initiative, courage and leadership does not depend on our personality style or gender. We are different not better than each other; and the key to develop our leadership abilities is to first understand you. Discovery yourself by taking wiseup personality test now. www.wiseupfoundation.net Next time we will be looking at the when to adjust your leadership style.
•Modupe Eka is a consultant, trainer of the D.I.S.C model of human behaviour, a graduate of English language, with teaching background, she is a Public speaker and by practice a counsellor and an expert in relationship and communication she runs seminars and workshop for cooperate and private institutions on topics as sexual health, parent/child relationship and cooperate/ effective team building. She has organized and runs various youth empowerment programs. Together with her team they have done extensive work with many Redeemed Christian Church of God parishes within the Lagos environs.
For contact and enquires [email protected]. [email protected] 08023426953