Leadership Traits to Set You Apart
What makes some people so valuable as leaders that their staff will go the distance to support the overall vision? Is it education or longevity with the company that awards them with loyalty?
I think we all know it’s not.
Here is a picture of a great leader’s profile.
1. They Motivate and Inspire Others
Great leaders get you excited about your work and why you are doing it!
Leaders show up to work enthusiastic and energetic about the work to be done and, by doing so, unlock a secret box in which we keep what is known as “discretionary energy.”
We all have discretionary energy, and, as the name suggests, we choose whom to give it to. Logically, we tend to give this extra energy to those who draw out our natural desire to be a bigger version of ourselves.
Leaders with this ability often demonstrate a high level of comfort and self-confidence without ever seeming arrogant
Don’t worry; to motivate others, you don’t need to be a motivational speaker – actions speak far louder than words! Leaders receive the best commitment from their teams by setting an example for them. When the team sees the energy and enthusiasm of their leader, they will be inspired to follow suit.
John Maxwell is quoted with this version of an ancient proverb: “He who thinks he leads but has no followers is only taking a walk.”
2. Leaders Develop and Support Others
People are drawn to leaders who show an interest in who we are. They want to know our career goals (and perhaps personal goals) and how they can help us to achieve them.
When leaders work with employees and encourage (perhaps even push) them to develop new skills and competencies, they build higher levels of satisfaction and commitment.
The best versions of people are often found outside of their safe zones, and sometimes people need a mentor or coach to move them out of that comfortable place to somewhere they can experience growth. This helps build a culture of continuous learning—a place where growing becomes the norm, not the exception.
3. You Can Trust a Great Leader
Leaders can create trust by becoming aware of the people on their team; what their concerns, aspirations, and circumstances may be. Leaders earn trust when they are clear in their communication, compassionate towards their team members, and consistent with their words and behaviors.
Trust is also given to those leaders who demonstrate that they are competent—but not only do they show that they are knowledgeable, they freely share that knowledge and expertise.
People who project confidence in their ability to make informed decisions can build trust – but we want them to admit when they don’t know the answer too.
Trust is built on rock-solid honesty and integrity.
4. Great Leaders Build Relationships
Effective leaders who stay in touch with the issues and concerns of individuals in the group tend to have employees with higher levels of satisfaction and commitment.
I recently spent time with a past colleague in England, and we began chatting about our memorable leaders. Ian shared two stories about meeting two different Metropolitan Police Commissioners (The Commissioner is the senior officer of the London police force—a job considered the very top policing job in the country). One Commissioner wouldn’t even look at Ian as they rode up in an elevator together. The other commissioner had a reputation for wandering through the building, randomly sitting down at workstations, and chatting with staff members about their work. You can imagine which one Ian wanted to give his discretionary energy to!
The more one-on-one time leaders spend with their team members, the greater the benefits.
5. Great Leaders Have a Roadmap
Effective leaders know where they are going and can continually communicate that destination to their team. Furthermore, they can be flexible when a course adjustment is necessary.
When employees are provided with a positive sense of direction, they tend to be more satisfied and committed. The effective leader will depict the destination and how the day-to-day activities apply. After all, employees need to know that their efforts and hard work make a difference in the grand scheme. Effective managers understand that they can’t achieve success independently— every team member is vital.
I hope these five skills struck a chord with you. Perhaps inspiring you as a manager or helping you realize what to look for in a future employer.
Great leaders make a massive difference in employees’ experience.
