When you think of a great leader who do you think of?
Steve Jobs – had a clear vision for Apple and was able to inspire and motivate his team to achieve that vision.
Jeff Bezos – Amazon has evolved and adapted to the changing marketplace to make it one of the most successful companies in the world.
Elon Musk – A risk taker who has shown considerable innovation with the likes of Tesla and SpaceX.
What makes them great leaders?
There are many qualities that make a top performing leader, but some of the most important include:
- Vision: Top performing leaders have a clear vision for the future of their organization. They are able to articulate that vision to others and inspire them to share it.
- Communication: Top performing leaders are effective communicators. They are able to clearly and concisely communicate their ideas and goals to others. They are also good listeners and are able to build rapport with their team members.
- Decision-making: Top performing leaders are able to make sound decisions under pressure. They are able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make the best decision for the organization, even when there is no easy answer. They take calculated risks.
- Problem-solving: Top performing leaders are able to identify and solve problems. They are able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
- Teamwork: Top performing leaders are able to build and lead high-performing teams. They are able to delegate tasks effectively and create a positive and productive work environment.
- Adaptability: Top performing leaders are able to adapt to change. They are able to anticipate and respond to changes in the market, industry, and organization. They are also able to lead their teams through periods of change.
Once you have cracked all of those, then its time to work on:
- Empathy: Great leaders understand and empathize with the needs and emotions of their team members. They treat others with respect and compassion.
- Integrity: Great leaders act with honesty and integrity. They set a good example and hold themselves accountable for their actions.
- Continuous Learning: Great leaders are always seeking knowledge and self-improvement. They stay updated on industry trends and seek feedback to grow personally and professionally.
- Resilience: Great leaders are resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. They demonstrate perseverance and stay determined to achieve their goals.
- Emotional Intelligence: Great leaders have a high level of emotional intelligence. They understand and manage their own emotions effectively and can empathize with and support others in managing their emotions.
- Empowerment: Great leaders empower their team members by giving them autonomy and responsibility. They trust their team to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
- Innovation: Great leaders foster a culture of innovation. They encourage creativity and are open to new ideas and approaches.
- Flexibility: Great leaders are flexible and adaptable. They can adjust their plans and strategies based on new information or changing circumstances.
- Authenticity: Great leaders are authentic and genuine. They stay true to their values and principles, which helps build trust and credibility with their team.
- Servant Leadership: Great leaders prioritize the needs of their team members. They are servant leaders who support and serve their team, rather than just giving orders.
Some of these may come naturally to you, some may not, but if you have got the desire to lead then here are some additional tips for developing your leadership skills:
- Set goals for yourself and track your progress. This will help you stay motivated and focused.
- Seek out opportunities to lead. This could mean volunteering for a leadership position in your community or taking on a leadership role at work.
- Get feedback from others. Learn to identify areas where you can improve.
- Read books and articles about leadership. This will help you learn from the experiences of other leaders.
- Attend leadership training courses. This is a great way to learn new skills and techniques.
Developing your leadership skills takes time and effort, but it is definitely worth it. By following these tips, you can become a top performing leader and make a positive impact on the world.
Good luck.