Everybody has the potential to be a leader. However it is those select few of a different mettle who are remembered as good leaders. They drive the employees of the company to meet the targets, ensure amicable relations and help boost productivity with effective time management.

But a great leader takes an inclusive approach. He works towards the overall growth and development of everyone involved, resulting in the development of the company as well. They should motivate and inspire his subordinates and those around him. Every employee needs to receive encouragement and reassurance in their job and that can be provided with constant motivation by the leader.

Through years of experience, they have garnered and harnessed a host of skill sets. The most crucial being that of problem solving. Apart from seizing multiple opportunities in the marketplace, they must possess exceptional problem solving skills. This requires two distinct mental skills of being analytical and creative.

Identifying the issue, evaluating the situation, comparing likely scenarios, assessing possible results and generating solutions are all integral factors involved in this key leadership process. A leader must synthesise every sliver of information to reach an apt and effective solution to the situation at hand. This requires not only excellent analytical abilities, but also remarkable skills.

Every company has a goal that they work towards and that they gear their employees to work towards. Leaders must be transparent in their dealings and additionally with the employees to build existing levels of trust and efficiency. It is extremely important that the employees are comfortable talking to the leader about concerns at the workplace.

Be it a small issue or a glaring problem, they must be approachable and deal with the situation with integrity. There has been a constant debate on whether leaders should pursue results or people. The answer is both. It cannot be stressed enough that clear communication is key to maintaining an effective relationship. Whether it’s by means of one-on-one conversations, at team meetings, via blog posts, over email messages, over the phone or through Skype calls, or any other such medium, leaders don’t talk about communicating — they do it.

Organisations can improve business efficiency and generate exceptional results with the help of a leader who strategises effectively. Leaders must alternate and tailor their strategies to fit various markets and clients alike. Understanding, evaluating and comparing different strategies will help improve the company’s chances of generating good business deals. Tactical measures must be adopted and a strategic outlook must be maintained to guide the businesses to a promising future. Just as leaders grow and develop their personal and professional skill set and expertise, they must additionally develop and expand their teams.

They must search, hire and effectively train the next set of individuals to become exceptional workers in their own way. The ability to innovate is a key skill for every great leader. They must encourage their employees to think outside the box and develop an innovative mindset for a multitude of scenarios.

The business landscape for many companies is evolving at a faster rate than ever before, which demands the people and the organisations associated with them, to adapt and change as well.

(The writer is chief executive officer, LMI)