What I learned from Great Leaders??? 7 things to keep in mind!!
I am certain we all remember our favorite boss or bosses! I know I definitely remember my least favorite boss. I have been paying attention along the way and have wrapped this into a list of 7 traits that make a good leader Great. These traits were found most often in my list of "best in class" leaders after working over 32 years in corporate retail.
Great leaders have strength, instill loyalty and create synergy so people want to follow their lead. Lately, from my point of view, we need more leaders like this in the workforce. Lets pull all of this information together and become great leaders; for ourselves, share it with our colleagues in leadership roles and mentor upcoming leaders; we can all grow into what we want in our leaders, where we work and where our kids will work.
(1) Use your power for good! All great leaders are good, humane and helpful people. Their life work is to make a difference to other individuals. They seek opportunities around them and in the world to make a difference for others. If you don't have time or the capability to do this you should not be leading teams. Great leaders should always have time to mentor others to reach their goals, share their talents, they are humble, helpful, giving others a sense of hope and direction; always being a source of inspiration.
(2) Seek and receive support. Look to build consensus; no one should make all decisions alone. Have the team working with you and offer them the opportunity to "buy-in" to projects and ideas; understanding the direction and feeling ownership in the choices and decisions also gives people a sense of worth. This brings about loyalty and keeps teams growing and following "the leader." It reveals that you are a courageous leader; that you are not a "know it all."
(3) Never give up! Even in the event of failure and loss, stay positive. Don't let temporary set backs take you off focus and keep you from achieving your or the organizational long term goals. Believe in yourself, through the thick and thin. Find a way to cover up the frustration and keep moving forward.
(4) Be confident. Confidence is a belief in the ability to succeed. There is a silly story about me; speaking about the species of a fish lying on the beach. I had no idea what kind of fish it was, but I told the story of this fish like knew exactly what it was and what I was talking about. I was so confident in what I was saying, people believed my "fish tale." Confidence can take you very far in life and it must be developed. It is easy to let people take your confidence away; it is very important to take it back!!!
(5) Be Optimistic. People do not want to follow someone that always sees the glass half empty. Be positive, stay positive. See a vision, say a vision and be bold about moving towards that vision every day.
(6) Be Authentic. Be original; because all the other copies are taken. You have your own style, showcase it!! Everyone has God given unique talents; use the ones you have to the best of your ability and hire people that have the ones you don't have. Learn from others and focus on being who you are!
(7) HAVE A STRONG VOICE! Speak the truth always. Even if it is not the most popular thing to say. This is something we were all taught in grade school. Tell the truth, be honest, even if it is not what the "cool kids" are doing. Be careful with your words, but know that what you are saying has value and it is one of the most powerful things you can use; your own voice.
Successful, strategic and honest people are always the best to work with and for. Their character and commitment take them through the maze of business and make them people that we can be loyal to and people we admire. These are the people that make things happen and change the world everyday.