It’s often through a leader’s actions—what he or she does and says on a daily basis—that the essence of great leadership becomes apparent!
Here are 5 things that I have actively absorbed from the great leaders (I could name a high profile coach/ leader for each but won’t) I’ve been exposed to that really made them stand out.
And let’s be clear, any of us can do the same.
1. Be kind without being weak.
One of the toughest things for leaders to master is kindness. Kindness shares credit and offers enthusiastic praise for others’ work. It’s a balancing act, between being genuinely kind and not looking weak. The key to finding that balance is to recognise that true kindness is inherently strong—it’s direct and straightforward. Is if you see it, say it. But remember, true kindness also doesn’t come with expectations. Kindness is weak when you use it in a self-serving manner. Self-serving kindness is thin—people can see right through it when your kindness has an agenda. Don’t have an agenda.
2. Be strong without being harsh.
Strength is an important quality in a leader. People will wait to see if you are a leader is strong before they decide to follow your lead or not. People need courage in their leaders. They need someone who can make difficult decisions and watch over the good of the group. They need a leader who will stay the course when things get tough. People are far more likely to show strength themselves when their leader does the same. Be the example (see 4)!
Like many other leadership qualities it’s something you earn by demonstrating it time and again in the face of adversity. Only then will people trust that they should follow you.
3. Be confident, without being cocky.
We gravitate to confident leaders because confidence is contagious, and it helps us to believe that there are great things in store. The trick, as a leader, is to make certain your confidence doesn’t slip into arrogance and cockiness. Confidence is about passion and belief in your ability to make things happen, but when your confidence loses touch with reality, you begin to think you can do things you can’t and have done things you haven’t. Suddenly it’s all about you. This arrogance makes you lose credibility. Great, confident leaders are still humble. As such, they don’t hesitate to jump in and do the dirty work when needed, and they don’t ask their followers to do anything they aren’t willing to do themselves.
4. Be a role models, not a preacher.
Great leaders inspire trust and admiration through their actions, not just their words. Many leaders say that integrity is important to them, but great leaders walk their talk by demonstrating integrity every day. Harping on people all day long about the behaviour you want to see has a tiny fraction of the impact you achieve by demonstrating that behaviour yourself.
5. Be willing to take a bullet for their people.
The best leaders will do anything for their teams, and they have their people’s backs no matter what. They don’t try to shift blame, and they don’t avoid shame when they fail. They’re never afraid to say, “It’s on me,” and they earn people’s trust by backing them up. Great leaders also make it clear that they welcome challenges, critique, and viewpoints other than their own. They know that an environment where people are afraid to speak up, offer insights, and ask good questions is destined for failure.
The next step…
Great leadership is a dynamic journey not a destination; Reflect & Incorporate the behaviours above into your practice, and you’ll see immediate improvement in your leadership skills & your life I promise!
Rich
