From developing two-way trust to having confidence in difficult decisions, a broad spectrum of qualities create successful leaders.
According to research, an encouraging 76% of UK workers enjoy following a good leader, yet a staggering 80% have had to deal with bad leaders during their careers. There’s a vast difference between keeping a team trudging along and leading colleagues to success. Here are the top 7 qualities that make great leaders.
1. Be Open
Leaders have a responsibility to drive success in a company. This simply can’t be achieved without being honest and open with colleagues at all tiers of the organisational hierarchy. Leaders must be transparent and let others into their vision of success, regularly sharing information about tangible steps they’re taking to reach the organisation’s goals.
2. Trust your Team
It’s one thing getting a team to trust a leader, but leaders must reciprocate the sentiment. Micro-management and heavy-handed input to work is a sure way to disengage people. Leaders must trust their teams by delegating work. This also helps leaders keep an eye on the bigger picture.
3. Lead by Example
Part of the job of a leader is to inspire others and keep teams motivated. Nothing gets this message across more effectively than a leader rolling up their sleeves at appropriate occasions and pitching in with big projects. Showing a willingness to share expertise in this way instils positive qualities in others, such as a strong work ethic and a committed attitude to the company.
4. Express Yourself
Having a great vision and being able to communicate it well are both essential when it comes to good leadership. Being able to communicate in an engaging way – both verbally and in writing – to large and small audiences, is crucial in terms of leadership success. In addition, leaders must tailor their approach accordingly to various audiences. It’s also important to notice what communication styles work best with different people – not everyone is the same, after all.
5. Be Human
The best leaders know that workplace relationships aren’t all about work. Leaders who are only around to make the big decisions are less successful than those who embed themselves amongst the team. Leaders should make time and find suitable occasions to get to know their team members and their individual styles, whilst showing humulity and empathy. This is one of the best ways to gain respect and create a positive work environment.
6. Think Outside the Box
Unexpected things inevitably come up in the workplace and leaders are expected to take control and make decisions. Leaders must recognise the right way forward won’t always be clear cut. Allowing themselves to think less rigidly, more creatively and using intuition in some situations is key, as well as remembering that they can also contribute to the right solution.
7. Have Confidence in Yourself
Sooner or later, part of being a leader will involve an ability to weather the storm. Things won’t always go smoothly, issues will come up that need resolving and difficult decisions will need to be made. Leaders must have confidence in their ability to deal with all of this. Issues are usually only a bump in the road. Being self-assured helps make progress whatever the situation and is important for team morale.
Download our Guide to Effective Leadership e-book, including current trends and statistics on leadership issues, practical tips and case studies about how companies such as Harrods, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and The Chartered Management Institute are tackling leadership development.
