The Importance of Being a Leader
The title of “leader” or “studio director” must be earned by inspiring and motivating people to give their best. Effective leaders bring out the best in people by stimulating them to achieve what they thought as impossible. You are a leader of your many students and their families, also teachers and assistant teachers at your studio, and your community. One of the most powerful motivating tools available to managers and leaders is positive reinforcement.
Self-EvaluateÂ
Take a look at the following characteristics of leaders and followers. If you find that you might fall more into the follower category for some of the points, think of ways that you can work toward improving to take on the qualities of a leader in that particular area. For instance, if you find that you are a better talker than you are a listener, take a step back and actively listen to the people around you. Or, if you find that you tend to be more pessimistic than optimistic, work to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones!
â¨Characteristics ofâ¨
A Leader
Good Listener
Accessible
Decisive
Gracious
Keeps it Simple
Optimistic
Gives Credit
Confronts Problems
Speaks Directly
Acknowledges Mistakes
Says “Yes”
Enthusiastic
Positive Attitude
A Follower
Good Talker
Hard to Find
Avoids Decisions
Self-promoting
Makes it Complicated
Pessimistic
Takes Credit
Avoids Problems
Manipulates
Blames Others
Explains Why It Can’t be Done
Placid
Negative Attitude