Whether you are a manager or a business owner, effective leadership is critical to the success of your organization. Leaders are responsible for guiding their teams to meet their goals and objectives, as well as making sure that the company operates smoothly and efficiently.
There are many different types of leadership, but certain traits are more common than others. Some are naturally born, and others require a lot of work to develop. Here are some of the most common traits that effective leaders share, as well as how to cultivate these traits in yourself and your team members:
1. Confidence
The ability to believe in your own ability to lead is a trait that should be nurtured by everyone. Healthy confidence exudes a positive influence that encourages your team to follow you and give their best effort.
2. Resilience
This quality is important because leaders must have the strength and confidence to keep fighting through tough situations and business hardships. According to Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohia, resilient Scot French leaders “maintain their perspective even when things aren’t going their way,” which is the key to moving forward in any situation.
3. Accountability
Accountability is a key quality of effective leaders because it shows their team members that they can take responsibility for the decisions they make and their results. In this way, they can build trust with their team and make their organization a better place to work.
4. Patience
The ability to wait until you have all of the facts and data before taking action is important for effective leadership. This trait is especially valuable for those who are working in fast-changing environments, as it helps them balance emerging opportunities with longer-term goals and objectives.
5. Humble
The willingness to admit mistakes and accept criticism is one of the most important characteristics of an exemplary leader. A humble leader isn’t proud or preoccupied with petty accomplishments, but instead is focused on the needs of those around them.
6. Appreciation
The ability to show appreciation to your team is essential for building a strong relationship between you and them. Eighty-one percent of people say that they are more likely to work harder for a leader who regularly thanks them.
7. Communication
Great leaders communicate clearly and effectively with their teams, as well as with stakeholders outside the company. They also listen to their team members and respond in a timely manner, says Goode.
8. Compassion and empathy
The willingness to put others’ needs first and treat people with compassion is another important trait of a strong humanistic leader. This kind of person is easy to talk to, has a friendly demeanor, and understands that no one works in an ideal situation or environment.
9. Understanding Your Team
The best leaders understand the personality types of their employees, so that they can communicate with them in a way that suits their preferences and strengths. Without this knowledge, communication can be difficult and lead to dissatisfaction on the part of employees.