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O P I N I O N
Qualities of a leader
When identifying your next generation of leaders, there are some qualities you should look for, and some you should avoid.
W hether you are the leader of an architectural firm or engineering firm or any firm for that matter, it’s in your best interest to have a road map for future leaders. Every AEC firm will have to go through leadership transition at one stage or another. So, how do you identify these leaders and what are some of the qualities these leaders should have?
Naveen Khammampati
❚ ❚ They’re proactive. Leaders are proactive and take responsibility for their choices. On the other hand, reactive people take a passive stance. ❚ ❚ They look for a win-win. Leaders analyze the situa- tion and provide options that are often beneficial to all parties involved. A leader is also a good negotia- tor. “A good leader has sound subject knowledge, is a good mentor, respects others’ opinions, motivates the team, does not micromanage, and shows consideration for others.”
From my 16 years of experience working in the civil engineering industry and from the knowledge I’ve gained reading articles and books about leadership, I’ve identified the following qualities that set a great leader apart: ❚ ❚ They think in terms of solutions to problems. Leaders identify the underlying problem in any given situation and come up with a solution rather than complicating matters further. ❚ ❚ They communicate effectively. Effective com- munication is one of the top qualities of a leader. Clear instructions to team members are vital for the success of any project. A knowledgeable leader com- municates effectively and provides clear instructions on how to get a job done.
See NAVEEN KHAMMAMPATI, page 12
THE ZWEIG LETTER July 22, 2019, ISSUE 1305
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