A critical task of every leader, is to articulate the vision (goal, target, objective, etc.) so clearly that it is not lost on any of their team members. Unless the team members have a common understanding of the exact destination, they could work at cross purposes.

‘Who is a leader?’ | recently asked the junior staff of an organization. Their responses were varied, and they sought to describe rather than define a leader; he is confident; he knows his stuff; he’s a doer; he’s a team player; a problem-solver; an encourager; he’s bold; a good listener; he is firm and fair; he’s proactive and purposeful; he is results-oriented; he takes ownership for whatever task he is given; he plans ahead; he organizes; he delegates; he takes decisions; he communicates effectively; he is resourceful; he holds people accountable; he is willing to learn; he grows people; he is focused, and he takes charge.

While their answers did not address my question directly, they provided a generous list of the qualities and attributes that help make an effective leader. Why?
Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal.

It is about developing people and helping them reach their full potential. Inherent in these definitions and the qualities listed, is an implicit assumption that there is a destination we are heading to. Every meaningful venture has a destination, the attainment of which marks success. It may be to obtain a degree, finish reading a book, organise an event successfully, achieve a sales target, learn a new vocation, start a small business, learn a new skill, find a solution to a problem, etc.

If your leader fails to communicate that destination, you have a duty to ask, so that your diligence and hard work are not counter-productive.

By Moses T. Cofie