Many factors are attributed to success or failure in administration. Situation, circumstances, social environment and social connections have all been put forward as factors affecting success, failure and effectiveness. There are a very large number of variables which determine the effectiveness of administrators.
image source: expertbeacon.com
However, after studying the characteristics of a great many successful careers, certain common qualities, traits and characteristics of successful and effective administrators emerge.
1. Clear and Realistic Goals:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
They are very clear as to what they want, why they want, what the strategies are, and who will benefit themselves, the society, the family or the world.
The more clear and realistic goals are, greater the possibility of an individual trying to achieve those goals and more effective the individual would be to mobilise and effectively utilise resources.
2. Professional Par-Excellence:
These individuals always try to do their best and perform at their best. They believe in providing the best services keeping the patient’s, customer’s, employees or public interest in mind.
3. Perceptual and Cognitive Flexibility:
These individuals are able to perceive the situations accurately, are able to forecast, look into the future, understand the environment, assimilate the environment and dare to be open in their knowledge and ideas; they have the ability to learn new ideas and make use of new knowledge in planning and programming.
4. Professional Growth:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
These individuals continuously learn about their field, new ideas, new strategies, about innovations and applications in the field, learn from discussion with professional colleagues, reading books, attending conferences, workshops and other means.
5. Commitment to the Chosen Field:
In their chosen profession, they show high degree of commitment to their field. They are not ready to change this field even if any other field had greater attraction in terms of salary, prestige or other worldly compensations. As a result, they are deeply involved in their work.
6. Attitude and Confidence:
Effective professionals have positive attitude toward themselves, towards others and the system in which they work. Positive attitude helps in overcoming obstacles and in perceptual ability as well as cognitive flexibility. Professional competence, positive experiences and inner security give confidence for professional identity.
7. Communication:
Professional exchange of ideas on problems and issues helps in effective decision-making. They have oral and written communication abilities to communicate effectively.
8. Diversity:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Effective individuals undertake several specialties. They are able to apply their knowledge in various areas. This helps in cognitive flexibility and developing perceptual ability.
9. Creative Orientation:
These individuals are highly creative and analytical in their approach. They always think of new ideas, new practices, and new methods which they can use in solving problems. Positive attitude, perceptual ability, cognitive flexibility and motivation are necessary for creative orientation.
10. Motivation:
Motivation is the inner urge, desire, drive or momentum that compels an individual to engage in a task or service. Effective individuals are highly motivated. High motivation and commitment helps to overcome frustrations, dejections and failures.
11. Satisfaction:
These individuals tend to be satisfied with self and others and the environment. They derive satisfaction and pleasure from the work they do, which serves as a tonic to build up greater energy towards their work.
12. Self-esteem:
These individuals have high degree of positive acceptance and trust in self and accept themselves as whatever they are, aware of their strength and limitation and also aware of the reality or environment in which they have to function.