Leadership, according to Myles Munroe, is the capacity to influence others through inspiration motivated by a passion, generated by a vision, produced by a conviction, ignited by a purpose. Making high impact is more than making an impression. It entails making a unique difference and imprinting it in the hearts of the followers. High impact leadership is not about giving people orders. It is about inspiring others to carry out tasks. It is the ability to make your followers have a sense of belongingness. This sense of responsibility separates a high impact leader from a low impact leader.
Everyone has the innate potential to be a leader. But not everyone ends up being a leader. And not all leaders have high impact on their followers. Leadership is a choice and not a rank. The role of leader is to achieve shared goals with and through others. However, many 21st century leaders can be simply categorized as rulers. There is a big difference between a ‘ruler’ and a ‘leader’.
What defines a high impact leader can be summed up in the words of John C. Maxwell who asserted that leaders become great, not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others. A leader leads while others follow. A high impact leader is conscious of raising giant leaders who can also take up the mantle of leadership.
There are various characteristics a high impact leader is expected to possess and they include:
Influence
High impact leadership entails having a strong “positive” influence on the followership. Leadership without a strong positive influence is seen as low impact leadership. There are many leaders out there who cannot wield any influence. They are just figurehead leaders who want to boss others around.
Engagement
Ability to engage followers in meaningful tasks makes leadership highly impactful. There should be cordial relationship between leaders and their followers. However, it is expected that such engagements be participatory and leaders are expected to be supportive. Followers feel comfortable with their leaders around. This effects a change in their psychological disposition to tasks.
Flexibility
Being flexible with laid down plans is an attribute of a high impact leader. It is erroneous to be rigid with plans as there should be room for changes as at when due or when occasion demands.
Firmness
High Impact Leaders are firm with principles. They are not one to be tossed here and there by the wind of pressure. There is always an underlying principle guiding their activities which must always be upheld.
Result oriented
High impact leaders have a goal in sight and they would not give up until it is achieved. You must be passionate about attaining your goals.
Live an Impactful Life!
