7 Key functions of the modern leader

Every leader has to fulfill key functions for him to be able to be classified and aptly qualified to be called a leader  The brunt of leadership is one mainly of role play and not necessarily name. In other words we may refer to a person as a leader by name but unless  he fulfills certain qualifications he does not necessarily fit the calling. Another thing we have to note  is that all leadership does not rely on positions to have credence. There are positional leaders but not all them are holding lasting leadership functions since if and when they leave office it may be difficult for them to wield any influence or power. But since we refer to leadership as role play, here are seven functions that leaders are expected to play.
1. Set direction: Where is an organization going? What ideals, aims or objectives was the organization created to fulfill? A leader should be able to announce a vision for his people and back up that vision with fulfillment. The leader should be able to paint a vivid picture that would be so clear in the minds of the followers that they would be willing to put their ideas on hold for a while and follow. If followers do not buy into a leaders vision, it would be profoundly different for him to fulfill his vision.
2. Strategic Thinking/Strategic Planning: In order to envision a picture, those who lead should be able to engage in deep thought about the necessarily things to do. This train of thought can be referred to as strategic thinking. Such thoughts are supposed to focus on the proper things to do at the right time. Once the thoughts are established, the plan has to follow. The plan is a document that should be able to take the organization from where it is to where it desires to be. The steps to take in order to arrive at the place or position they have in mind have to spelled out in detail.
3. Make it happen: Leaders have to drive the process to achieve their plans and thoughts, they either get into the system and drive the process to achieve what they have planned or the appoint people who can do it.  Sometimes a team is put in place which should comprise a pool of different skills. The leader would then hold the team accountable and make sure that all the activity they are involved in helps them take the organization to the desired place.
4. There should be a consistent effort to relate the whole of the team that has been put in place to the individual roles that the members are playing. Its much like a conductor leading an orchestra. The conductor should know the music and also determine how all the parts of the individual instruments and their players come together to achieve the symphony that is to be played.
5 Since the organization is not complete in its self, it needs contributions from external bodies and possible partners. to enable it tap from resources that it does not necessarily have, but may need in the course of striving to achieve its plans. The leaders play the role of forging alliances, partnerships and synergies that would enable smooth activity and shared resources.
6. There is a need for the leaders to release corporate energy, influence everyone in the organization to work together as a whole part. There is considerable power in numerous people working together to fulfill an objective or to meet a goal. The leader ought to have the talent to pull people in line, boost their morale and encourage collective responsibility on the way to achieving the goals of the organization.
7. No leaders should see himself as an end. His skills aspirations and beliefs ought to be passed on to other people. He should be able to groom people to take over from where he left of. The ultimate calling or role of leadership is not fulfilled unless a leader is able to raise other leaders and make the transition of leadership smooth and comfortable for the people in the organization.