There are over twenty different leadership styles, depending on which books or articles you read. An autocratic leader, for example, makes decisions unilaterally, whereas a democratic leader seeks input before making decisions. Meanwhile, a delegation style delegated responsibility and decision-making to other managers. But, as with most things in life, style is secondary to substance. So, whether you aspire to be a leader or are already one, here are 20 qualities that great leaders possess.
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1. Compassion and empathy: When a leader exhibits these qualities, they earn the respect and loyalty of those around them: it’s as simple as that.
2. Emphasis on open communication: Leaders should ensure that their employees have a voice and a platform to express their ideas.
3. Articulates clear expectations: It is the responsibility of those in positions of authority to express expectations in a way that employees can understand, as well as to assess process and progress on a regular basis.
4. Always teaches: Most great employees are created. A great manager understands that one of the most important aspects of their job is to teach and grow their employees’ knowledge base. Consider it like banking: you can put money in a savings account and watch it grow slowly, or you can invest it and watch it grow exponentially faster.
5. Inspires others: Inspiring others is about fostering creativity, loyalty, dedication, and any other positive trait we want our employees to have.
6. Leads by example: Anyone in a position of authority should hold themselves to the same standards as others.
7. Seizes opportunities: While change and challenges can be problematic, a capable leader views them as opportunities to adapt, learn, and grow.
8. Encourages creativity: Employees invariably have capability resources that extend beyond their assigned tasks. Encourage the ability of each of them to bring new perspectives and ideas.
9. Encourages feedback: While all leaders have the final say, great leaders solicit and listen to feedback and consider it before acting.
10. Empowers others: The most effective way to grow is to encourage others to contribute constructively — to freely entrust staff members with important tasks and to solicit innovations from them.
11. Provides transparency: Whether what needs to be said is good or bad, a leader provides communication clarity, which fosters trust and loyalty while reducing stress.
12. Accepts responsibility: No one is perfect, and no one should expect others to be perfect. Owning up to mistakes is a necessary part of being a winning authority figure.
13. Is genuine: Most people do not want to be patronized or patronized. Be authentic and true to yourself, and you will inspire others to do the same.
14. Recognizes effort and results: Recognition is a powerful tool because it conveys the message that you notice and values the actions of those around you. Yes, every employee is valuable, but each one needs to be told why.
15. Is loyal: Loyalty manifests itself in a variety of ways, from turnover to productivity (or lack thereof), and the best way to foster it is to demonstrate it.
16. Recognizes excellence: Superlative work should be a high bar that is difficult to achieve, and those who do achieve it should be appropriately rewarded.
17. Shares in success: When a company achieves success, it should share it with the people who helped make it happen, whether through profit sharing, career advancement, or other bonuses or opportunities.
18. Is resistant to distractions: A great leader has a vision, mission, and values that help define a company. If something contradicts or deviates from these principles, it should be removed or avoided.
19. Actively observes and listens: We learn by watching and listening rather than talking and directing. Spend some time each day honing your managerial antennae.
20. Requests assistance: There is probably a no better way to make someone feel valued and appreciated than to request assistance. Your humility as a leader will be rewarded tenfold. After all, great leadership does not come naturally to everyone and should not be limited to those in positions of power; it is a process that can and should be cultivated.
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