Great leaders provide direction, guidance, inspiration, patience, courage, optimism, confidence, empathy, passion and dedication. They incorporate best practices within their organization or community.
We’ve found the most effective leaders have 10 essential qualities of effective leadership are the following:
1.) Lead By Example
A true leader leads by example. They gain respect and credibility by exhibiting the behavior they wish to see in others. They set a high and realistic standard of excellence, organization and contribution for those they serve.
We all heard that actions speak louder than words. Composed leaders remain calm during stressful situations. They practice what they preach. They align their words with actions and build trust by setting a great example.
2.) Practice Integrity
An effective leader demonstrates integrity. They pull from their core values and that of the organization to serve and guide their behavior, decisions and interactions with others. Effective leadership demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence (EI). They are able to relate and communicate honestly and openly.
A leader with integrity respects others and is ethical, consistent and genuine. They won’t compromise on what is right and wrong. They keep promises and exhibit a strong sense of character.
2.) Proactive
Effective leaders are proactive – not just reactive. They think ahead. They are confident decision-makers and are able to think on their feet. They strategize, plan, and execute on ideas so they prepare themselves and their teams for what’s to come. They don’t procrastinate or operate in reactive mode. They teach and demonstrate the advantages of taking initiative.
4.) Communicate Effectively and Are Accountable & Transparent
An important leadership skill is an ability to articulate tactfully, clearly and concisely. Communication requires that you are able to attentively listen and be responsive. A true leader acts responsibly and is transparent with the selective, necessary information needed for productivity and high performance.
As a leader, you must share the vision, and ensure your team understands how their efforts contribute to overall higher goals.
5.) Acknowledge and Recognize Success
Effective leaders acknowledge and recognize the achievements and contributions of others. They reward individual and high team performance and look beyond their own successes. They don’t take credit or steal others’ work. They boost team morale by letting others know that their work is valued, appreciated and celebrated.
6.) Engage
An organizational leader engages their people. They encourage others to participate and bring ideas to the table. They share valuable information, ask meaningful questions, seek new ideas and input. They practice conflict resolution and clarify misunderstandings. The best leaders also engage others to energize and inspire their staff.
6.) Empowers & Invests In Others
Effective leadership requires that you empower and invest in others, not enable them. This means giving others the tools, training and autonomy to help them develop and excel in their skills. This will ultimately improve individual and organizational performance.
It is invaluable to invest in your people and cultivate a positive and productive work culture.
Great leaders make others feel a sense of ownership and pride in their work, and believe that their contributions are meaningful. Remember to encourage innovation and creativity and challenge others with high expectations. Great leaders develop future leaders.
8.) Foster Collaboration
Teamwork makes the dream work. Fostering collaboration is one of the best ways to encourage innovation, creativity, productivity and profitability. It is key to understand others’ working styles, skill sets and personalities. Invest time in the people you lead to determine their strengths, needs, and priorities.
Team members should also know and be able to complement one another. Encourage team-building activities, exercises, meetings and projects that boost collaboration.
9.) Motivates and Inspires
The best leaders motivate and inspire their teams. They drive their people forward with an enthusiastic attitude, passion and dedication. They make others feel valuable and assess their needs to help them perform at their best.
Effective leaders invest in the development of their people. They help them create meaningful goals, address challenges and reinforce how they contribute to overall initiatives.
10.) Builds for Sustainability and Thrive
An effective leader builds to thrive- not just survive! Smart leaders understand the importance of sustainability. They build a strong foundation for their people and organization. They think beyond “the now”. They plan for the future so they can scale a successful business.
Great leaders incorporate capacity building into their strategic plans. They plan for the future.
An organizational leader benefits greatly by incorporating these 10 essential qualities of effective leadership in business or the community. Display these leadership qualities in your daily actions and you will be rewarded with team loyalty, respect, confidence and better performance and outcomes.
Written by Sasha Lalite, Owner of Meta Viable Solutions, a Fractional COO & Business Consulting Firm
Presented by L.A. STYLE Industry Leaders Network
