In today’s world, employers like to look out for team members with practical leadership qualities in them. Good leaders carry many other positive traits with them and can be a great influence for their colleagues. They also help to maximise a company’s productivity and can improve the work environment for everyone involved.
Here are 3 practical leadership qualities any leader can aim to incorporate into their unique leadership style.
Good leaders are team-oriented
Leaders know that they are not alone in their journey. They will usually have a group of people whom they need to look out for. A good leader would naturally practice servant leadership with their team.
For those who may just be getting started and figuring the ropes out for their new role as a leader, it may be helpful to note that leadership is never just about developing oneself but rather, about improving an entire team’s progress together.
Good leaders would not only focus on the tasks they need to tick off their checklists but also, the well-being of their teammates. It’s especially important to realise that leaders need to be perceptive about their team members. If leaders make the effort to empathise with their group members and find out that others may be facing difficulties or are struggling with their work, offer some form of assistance so that they can pick themselves up again. Any manager can command others to get things done, good leaders will look out for their people and get things done alongside them.
Good leaders communicate effectively
According to the Centre for Creative Leadership, “Communication is a core leadership function.” The process of communication can take on multiple forms within an office. The two main versions usually include written and verbal communication. More often than not, misunderstandings occur within a workspace when communication is not conducted properly.
To ensure that everything is following its order at work, instructions are often given out to be followed closely by employees. It is important, then, for written instructions to be simple and direct. Try not to pile too much information or make things too complex as this can easily lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Clear communication helps receivers to understand the gist of a conversation easily. Necessary actions can be taken without much trouble when communication is kept simple as your colleagues attempt to move forward with their projects.
Additionally, over-communication is one way to ensure that your message has been received properly on the other end. Chris McCuiston, CEO of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, credits much of his brand’s success to the idea of transparency as over-communication. He added that this form of communication can help to ensure that “you’ve not just been heard but you’ve been understood“.
Hence, leaders can adopt the strategy of “communicating relentlessly” to clarify doubts that their colleagues might have with regards to the projects they may be working on.
Good leaders practise humility
Positions of authority come and go. The relationships we build with people and the impressions we leave on others remain. As such, no matter the position you hold at your company, remember to always be polite and understanding towards your colleagues. A survey conducted with the CEOs and employees of 105 computer software and hardware companies uncovered that teams with humble leaders tend to perform better. There is also increased collaboration and cooperation when it comes to developing strategies at their workplace.
Hence, extend your empathy and practice responsible leadership. This way, everyone will look forward to working with you. Be appreciative and thank your colleagues for their support at work. Do not take the little things for granted. Express gratitude for the tiniest actions of support for they come from a good heart. Acknowledging others’ efforts shows that you are aware of the extent to which your colleagues are working.
Additionally, good leaders should not be afraid to admit their mistakes. Demonstrate your willingness to learn from mistakes. Make the changes as you move ahead to complete your task. Accept constructive feedback from everyone and be receptive to new ideas. Everybody has their weaknesses but good leaders lead the way by working hard to overcome their shortfalls while encouraging others to do the same.
These are just three simple and practical leadership qualities to possess. Keep in mind that leadership is a skill that many employers are interested in today. Attaining this skill boasts a certain level of independence and teamwork at the same time. To sum it up, as John C. Maxwell once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in empowering leaders by enabling breakthrough experiences for both leaders and followers. If you want to learn more about the Strengths Leadership Program, feel free to reach out to us here.
Reshma is StrengthsAsia’s content writer and research contributor. She enjoys spending her time writing anything from poems to screenplays, and everything in between. She also finds joy in reading novels, baking and catching movies with her family. Participating in creative activities helps her find inspiration and new ideas for her work.
Aly is StrengthsAsia’s marketing and communications guru and lead editor. She's over the top inquisitive and everyone in the company knows her as “The Googler” as she practically googles everything. Honestly, we all worry for her… She is also the Principal Trainer for our one of a kind ice cream team building workshops in Asia.