Strong leaders are developed, not born. It takes experience and lots of learnings. However, the biggest opportunity to becoming a great leader is developing strong traits and characteristics that are focused on developing and encouraging others. They are traits that are focused outwards, not for the benefit of one’s self. The following are a collection of traits that I believe can make the difference in strong team development, execution of operations and projects, creates follower-ship, but even more importantly, the creation of future strong leaders.
- Inspire others to be better, think differently, and achieve more than they thought possible of themselves. Remember, encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.
- Challenge themselves and their team; never demand.
- Have guiding principles.
- Provides autonomy to their team to execute. The antithesis of micro management and the necessary environment to find your next leaders or successor.
- Prioritizes – always. Why – because resources are not unlimited and helps your team focus on the most meaningful efforts.
- Looks for grit, intelligence, and enthusiasm in people. But grit and enthusiasm always wins over intelligence.
- Trust always; inspect and hold accountable always
- Listen first…even though it’s hard as shit to do and sometimes others have to remind us.
- Are humble and show humility. Be vulnerable. Admit when wrong or when someone else has a better idea. Share a weakness; an opportunity to be better.
- Sets clear expectations – what needs to be done, by when, and expected outcome. Let them determine how it gets done (back to autonomy).
- Embraces diversity – this world is made up up of beautiful people, experiences, and ways of thinking and solving problems. Invite diversity into your team. Purposefully challenge and change existing norms by inviting people from different cultures and different industries.
- Develops others to be better than themselves.
- Leads by example and practice what they preach – doesn’t ask someone to do something they wouldn’t.
- Leads the battle and takes none of the credit – give credit to your team; take responsibility (when it fails or does not go right).
- Creates a strong vision. One that provides an ambitious future state that makes the business, the world, and the people in it a better place. One that is balanced – improves not only the business, but the employees, and the customers. A strong vision shares a belief that everyone can rally around. Just remember, a strong vision must be backed by a strong leader and strong execution by a small group of folks that show the way for many.