Functions of leadership

Leaders inspire their team to want to perform to a high standard. Ways in which leaders inspire are to create a clear vision for the team and ensure that the purpose of tasks are fully understood and valued by the team. Inspirational leaders lead by example and demonstrate an investment into the team goals and work hard to achieve them.

Leaders energise their teams which creates a positive and productive work environment. Natural leaders will bring a lot of positive energy to a team, celebrate successes of the team, be aware of individual strengths and interests and encourage activity that brings the best out of them and allows people to work on what they enjoy. Leaders also create energy by being good listeners and showing appreciation through recognition and gratitude. Workers who feel listened to and appreciated are more likely to feel enthusiastic about their work.

Leaders can determine the best path to achieve success through understanding the roles and activities that are required to achieve goals. They can delegate tasks effectively within teams and devise solutions to problems as they occur.

Leaders must be able to influence a range of stakeholders. For example, they may need to influence company directors to give them permission to go ahead with a project or influence finance managers to approve a budget. Good influencers have an excellent ability to communicate. This includes the ability to pick up on cues from their audience on what they what and to adapt their communication methods.

Leaders are able to envision the future and set strategic goals. They show a good awareness of the strengths of the organisation and its teams and can set realistic and achievable future goals that will drive the organisation forward. They are able to break those goals down into appropriate departmental and organisational goals.

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