Analysis shows that a natural leader has both inherent and acquired characteristics. Even if the genes do not qualify an individual as a natural leader, it’s still possible to learn more about leadership if called upon. The dynamics of a natural leader make them easy to identify since they standout. However, singling out those that have the ability to lead is challenging but it is necessary when looking for group members to promote into management and supervisory positions.
Members that demonstrate characteristics of leadership such as a clear vision and ability to make others go with it, ability of taking on challenges head on and enjoy accomplishing something noteworthy can all be termed as qualities of natural leaders. Inspiring others starts with commitment and energy. Leaders incorporate those they set the pace with their own energy and for the goals they have established they manage to get the commitment of others to achieve the objective.
Even though natural leaders are constructive, they have a tendency of being impatient. They are the sort of people, who note the fault and look for practical ways of fixing the issues instead of complaining about it. Leadership also incorporates decision-making; natural leaders don’t dwell too much on issues, and they make effective decisions and stick with it. Their role is progressing and staying still while internal debates are not a quality often associated with them. Natural leaders are also known to take up responsibility. This characteristic is vital since it enables the leaders to be more confident with their ability to achieve. They want to see a task reach a satisfactory conclusion once they take up the responsibility. A natural leader often is acknowledged for those leadership qualities that are recognized by those they lead. It is instinctive for others lead as it is for some to follow.
Natural leaders have good listening characteristics, in that they use questions to engage the members and are genuinely interested in the response they receive. Through the listening, they understand those they lead their concerns and issues as well as their feelings and thus encourage their contributions. Character is another dynamic that distinguishes a natural leader from the rest. Effective leaders are viewed as role models; they represent what others aim to be like, at least not to the same level.
One potential all leaders in groups like the (AA) alcoholics anonymous groups have is the ability to identify and nature potential in others. In such groups, they have the initiative to make the most of everybody and everything in the group. An urge to assist others become better than when they started the AA sessions is there. Such group leaders make excellent mentors and are happy to influence others with their knowledge and experiences during the therapy. In this aspect, the described dynamics of natural leaders within the group were effective in helping the members.
The use of discussion meetings is the main style used while conducting the AA group meetings. In this kind of setting the main objective of the meeting demands that, every member of the AA group talks about particular subjects. The chosen leader shares and gives the text some comments, then gives the group members a chance to share their own views. Each member typically has a set time for his comments of no more than three minutes, during which others are not allowed to make any comments or interrupt. For example, members that feel their sobriety is in danger can instead talk about it.
Despite the AA, group many positive aspects it still has some challenges associated with it. Many people consider the AA program as an incomplete approach towards mitigating the alcoholism issue. The AA program is known to carry undertones of spiritual messages, and it is through this type of interaction that some of the group members lose interest of the teachings and the entire program. These religious connotations turn some people off, especially those people who do not believe in a higher power or are atheists. Another challenge of the AA group is its ability to attract two main types of group members, and this affects the effectiveness of the program. For example, AA in some instances attracts volunteers who chose whether to attend or not. Such volunteers are likely more naturally inspired to prosper than volunteers that chose to discontinue attendance or never come. Some members are forced to attend example through court orders, is a bad idea since analysis shows that those coerced perform worse as compared to those who attend voluntarily(Kownacki, &Shadish, 1999).