Successful leaders demonstrate the following five leadership qualities in their personal and professional lives, inspiring others to take action and set a course for future success.
1. They are self-aware and prioritize personal development
Effective leaders focus on developing their emotional intelligence. Leaders that work to refine this quality are more adaptive, resilient, and accepting of feedback from others. They are also effective listeners and open to change.
2. They focus on developing others
This leadership quality builds on the principles of Delegating, Coaching, and Mentoring. Leaders show empathy as well as express strength. Knowing when to be kind and assertive with their team defines an Effective Leader.
3. They encourage strategic thinking, innovation, and action
Leaders must constantly focus on devising strategies to achieve the organisation’s objectives and goals. There must be a flexible approach towards taking ad hoc decisions which promotes the well-being of the organisation as well as the team, respectively.
4. They are honest and have high standards of integrity
Strong leaders take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions and in certain cases even the actions of the team, to protect and preserve the overall integrity; instead of unnecessary blaming and finger pointing. This promotes a strong bond and allows team members to reciprocate with respect, trust and loyalty.
5. They practice effective cross-cultural communication
Effective leaders are able to clearly communicate with individuals, business units, the entire company, and to stakeholders outside the organization. Optimistic leaders show that they believe their organization is working towards a better future, and that they value team members’ contributions to achieve that goal.
Leadership is a skill that takes years and years to master, provided you are exposed to situations that promote your growth. However, what if your potential to be a Leader has not even been recognised yet? And that could possibly be the reason holding you back from exponential career growth.
If this sounds like you, you must pin-point the exact reasons holding you back from levelling up in your Career. You must ask yourself these five questions:-
1. Where are you?
2. What made you reach here? (Your strengths, talents, characteristics.)
3. Where do you want to (are committed to) reach?
4. What is holding you back? (your limiting beliefs, your weaknesses etc)
5. What are your plans for the future?
