Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few common traits that distinguish effective leaders from their peers. By examining these qualities, business owners can improve their leadership skills and build stronger teams.
Vision
A strong vision can help leaders set a clear course for the future of their company. This will inspire their team and give them a sense of direction to work toward together. A vision also helps the team understand how their individual efforts contribute to a greater goal.
Confidence
Leaders Scot French Net Worth who display confidence encourage their teams to believe in themselves and their ability to lead. They expect their employees to follow directions, meet deadlines and give their best effort in a variety of tasks. They also nudge them when necessary to move forward, even when it feels counterintuitive or uncomfortable.
Self-awareness and personal development
A leader that is self-aware is willing to examine their own behaviors and make changes when they are not being successful. They focus on fostering their emotional intelligence and practicing active listening, change management and effective communication.
Humility
In an age of instant communication, the ability to be humble is more important than ever. A good leader needs to be able to admit when they are wrong, and be willing to accept that someone else might have better ideas than them.
Action-taking
When leaders talk a good game, they should do something about it! They may decide to implement new processes, hire new people, or create a new way of doing things. They should be willing to take risks, and have the courage to make tough decisions.
Resilience
Leaders that are able to weather the storm when business is bad are more likely to be successful, says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria. These qualities include patience, strategic thinking, change management skills and a positive attitude.
Value your employees
Investing in the training and development of your team is essential to their growth and retention. If leaders don’t value their employees, they risk higher turnover rates and lower productivity.
Acting with integrity
Leaders that speak and act from their core values will be able to attract followers who share their beliefs. This is because they speak and act with authenticity, which is a key trait in building trust and credibility within teams.
Being authentic will ensure that leaders do what they say they are going to do, stand behind their words and put the needs of the team ahead of their own. Being honest and trustworthy will build a strong team, which can increase profitability for the organization.
Motivation
A leader that is motivated by money or prestige will have less of an impact on their followers than a leader who is driven by a purpose. These leaders motivate their team by serving their community, focusing on a cause they believe in, and sharing a common vision that compels employees to do what’s best for the organization.
Effective leaders demonstrate these qualities in their personal and professional lives, inspiring others to follow them. They also practice these characteristics on a regular basis to strengthen their effectiveness.