What does effective leadership require according to the text?

Effective leadership requires a blend of skills and communication because leadership is fundamentally about guiding and influencing people towards achieving common goals. This involves various competencies, such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, which help leaders understand and connect with their team members. Communication plays a vital role in leadership as it helps convey vision, set expectations, and foster collaboration. A leader who can effectively communicate engages their team, builds trust, and inspires motivation, which is essential for achieving team objectives.

The other options do not capture the essence of effective leadership. Relying solely on positional authority undermines the importance of relationships and trust. Maintaining complete distance from team members limits a leader's ability to understand their needs and dynamics, which is crucial for fostering a supportive work environment. Strict adherence to rules can stifle creativity and adaptability, qualities that are often necessary in a changing work landscape. Thus, a leader must integrate various skills with effective communication to truly lead successfully.