When the great leaders work is done the people say, “We did that ourselves!”
Here’s a list of qualities you need to lead:
- Appreciative– A wise leader values their team and the person. Success is only achieved with the help of others. What’s more, genuine appreciation provides encouragement, develops confidence, and builds on strengths.
- Confident– Trust and confidence in leadership is a reliable indicator of employee satisfaction. Good leaders aren’t afraid of being challenged. Their confidence inspires.
- Compassionate– Compassion is a strength. A good leader uses compassion to perceive the needs of those they leads and to decide a course of action that is of greatest benefit to the person and the team.
- Courageous– Perhaps I should have put this at the top of my list? A courageous leader is prepared to take risks when no one else will. A courageous leader has faith in other people. A courageous leader raises difficult issues, is ready to give difficult feedback, and share unpopular opinions.
- Diligent– To persevere in conviction, courage, creativity, compassion, and character we need diligence. Good leaders work hard.
- Fair– Fairness is what people want. Good leaders don’t have favourites in the team. They reward for results not partiality; they promise fairness.
- Flexible– The good leader is able to flex. They alter and adapt their style according to the situation, context and circumstances they experience. They welcome new ideas and change.
- Honest– Wise leaders are not afraid of communicating the truth to their people. Honesty is about being truthful, having integrity, and building trust. Honesty leads to better more productive relationships.
- Impartial– Good leaders are impartial. They recognise their biases, prejudices, and predispositions. They also recognise biases in others and face them.
- Responsive– Good leaders are responsive to the needs of those they lead. They adjust their behaviour to best match the situation. They listen to their team; they value their team.