WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER, CHALLENGES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Presentation by Prof. Eunice MutituEvent: Mentorship for young women in

Agriculture 2nd August 2013

CAVS

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Lead - To show the way - Guide

Leader - Person who leads a group of people e.g. country, organization etc

Definitions

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A lot has been written on this topic

Can find many books, articles and a lot in the internet

As you read, reflect and observe a number of common traits of leadership emerge

Leadership

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The traits do not differentiate between sexes

Looks like it places more emphasis on soft skills as opposed to hard skills

Emotional intelligence is of essence

Cont’d

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Have a vision, goal, target – clear about what they want to accomplish

Have the knowledge necessary for the operation

Are also willing to learn and keep well informed

Key characteristics of a good leader

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Are willing to work with people and delegate

Are willing to train others

Are caring, not dictatorial and don’t humiliate others

Have learnt to listen to those they lead

Cont’d

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They communicate effectively on what is to be done

Are confident in what they are doing and instill confidence in those they are leading

Are decisive

Cont’d

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Courageous people

Open to change

Evaluate and make adjustments

Keep a positive attitude

Are approachable

Cont’d

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Keep moving towards their goal

Able to bounce back when discouragements and knocks come their way

Take on criticism positively

Share successes with others

Cont’d

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Good leadership constitutes a combination of many attributes

Willingness and effort to learn is vital

There are many success cases to emulate

As you learn from others, you start to become a leader yourself

Conclusion

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It is very important to learn to lead

Younger generation look up to older people for mentorship and leadership

Young people should be encouraged to keep learning and moving despite challenges

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Thank you for listening

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