"The future lies with those wise political leaders who realize that the great public is interested more in government than in politics" Franklin D Roosevelt.

Franklin's advice also applies to leaders in organizations. They should be reminded that people are always more interested in what they do than the politics they play. The world is brimming with enterprising leaders but only a few have what it takes to be real leaders.

"A leader is someone who knows when to lead, went to follow, and went to get out of the way." Thomas Paine.

Examples of world leaders are political leaders around the world who are actively involved in politics professionally or holders of political seats. Leadership also incorporates leaders in different corporations and institutions that lead groups of people to a common goal.

Remember, politics doesn't have to be limited to politicians, individuals in workplaces have been known to engage in political approaches for the common good of everyone. It's not necessarily about taking advantage of others. Research has shown that politically intelligent people have better career opportunities, seem more promotable, and are less likely to have derailed careers. Individuals who derail or ignore political realities around them, tend to lose more opportunities, betterment, and connections of any kind. The aptitude for political savvy comes in handy when meetings leadership challenges and how to navigate them.

It's a useful tool to enhance performance and productivity among team members. The bottom line in politics is that whoever does it well wins. This can be exploited is by organizational leaders to their advantage. Leaders or individuals with political skills poses a distinctive set of qualities that are either learned or come naturally to them.

If you come across with the following characteristics, then you lack very important leadership skills .

1. Manipulating Do you always convince, influence, or coerce other people, especially those under you to do your bidding, and get them to do your work? Then you are a poor leader.

2. Self-serving If you are a leader whose only interest is in yourself, you got it all wrong. Your decisions and goals should benefit all under you and not your greed and selfishness.

3. Do not listen Poor listening skills are a negative quality in communication. Communication is a two-way street and if someone feels they are being sidelined, then they will quickly feel disconnected and disregarded.

4. Disrespect Any level of leadership position mandates respect. Given to those below you and above. Do not take anyone or their contributions for granted. Respect and appreciate them.

On the other hand leaders with the behavioral, ability to explicitly maximize the required skills have better chances of leveraging the masses and everyone else to their advantage. Have you come across those beloved politicians or CEOs who quickly and easily amass the masses and are beloved of the people? those individuals are masters of political psychology and have applied it fully.

Traits of good leaders

1NETWORK

Leaders with a vision both in organizations and political aspirations need a well-established network system of friends, colleagues, and family.

They act as a support system, garner support, manage conflict and negotiate on your behalf when necessary. You cannot do everything on your own and this network is the most needed aspect of your leadership role.

As a leader, you need to be an excellent relationship builder in all areas. Remember your network acts as your mentor and accountability partner. They keep you in check and on your toes by reminding you of your goals and ambitions. These people help you think differently and out of the box on matters to do with others and how it should be.

2GOOD COMMUNICATOR

This is an important skill because relations of any kind require communication. This skill is used to virtually pass along any information to others. It is the capacity to inform them of your goals and ambitions to persuade them to join and work together for that goal.

A mastery of communication verbally and non-verbally ie writing, can get you to do anything you need. Words can motivate, encourage, convince and influence decisions, and belief systems, and even realign their trust.

Communication also means taking time to listen, it's all about really hearing what others mean, whether they are saying it or implying it. Demonstrate empathy and express yourself openly. The ability to communicate across gender, geographics, time, age, background, social identities, etc helps leaders develop good relationships with those around them, above them, and below them.

3CHARACTER

This put is the morals and mental qualities unique to a person. Character encompasses integrity, honesty, and courage to name a few. Financial integrity, for instance, is a crucial trait needed in a good leader. Most political leaders and other leaders of organizations are known to be corrupt individuals. Integrity also entails honesty. Keeping their promises to the people. People do not appreciate empty words. Take responsibility and accountability for your words and actions and see them to completion.

Good leaders know they cannot do it all alone. They are humble and know that to accomplish anything, they need others to pitch in ideas, convey their fears, and support projects to build strength and to work towards their goals.

4DECISION MAKING

All leadership positions entail making decisions on behalf of everyone else. Financial and any other decisions should be well thought out for good of all. Good decision-making also means sticking to your decision even if does not go as planned. Taking accountability and responsibility for your choices. Good leaders don't stutter or look for the best of both worlds. Good leaders should not be quick to make decisions. They should not be prejudiced, but rather be spirited enough to make tough decisions, and should be well aware of all fronts before coming to a decision.

To be better at making decisions, leaders should be more self-aware, understand those they represent, their needs, wants, and emotions, and make logical objective choices. They should weigh the pros and cons and take the most reasonable path.

After all leadership of any kind is a collective social process leading to a specific direction, an identified alignment committed to a common goal. The manifestos or missions and visions of organizations should be identified by everyone to work.

Disagreements will mean diversion and that would mean a failed agenda. Leaders of any kind are a vital part of our society. The resources and power in the hands and the decisions they have to make have major effects on everyone's well-being.

IMPORTANCE OF LEADERS

• Leaders are instrumental in social change. They provide solutions to social problems among them hazardous social norms. Adopting new ways of doing things and steering societies to new paths.

• Motivation, leaders should motivate their subordinates to encourage them to pursue education, invest in technology, or work harder and smarter in their daily lives.

• Setting an example for others. Good leaders are also good role models to others. They challenge others to accomplish positive changes in the world. For example, great political leaders who have led revolutions encourage others to fight for other good causes in society.

• Instruments of unity. Leaders bring people together. Their shared goal and ambition ie climate change does not consider the differences in those who believe in this goal.

• Resilience Political leaders and any other leader whatsoever, must be strong and must not be easily weathered. For a successful endeavor, resilience is needed. This also applies to their ideologies, beliefs, and goals. Certain unexpected distractions should not derail a leader and their plans. The plan should incorporate a cushion for shocks and preserve their long-term success and growth.

This means confidence and security to their subordinates. Remember individuals who feel supported will be more resilient and able to defy the storm with you. Grit is needed for future challenges.