Whether you have worked your way up the corporate ladder or started your own business, the path to leadership isn’t an easy one. There will be good times, stressful times, and dreadful times, but an extraordinary leader is always able to lead a team to success, regardless of the situation at hand.
So what makes an extraordinary leader? Leadership is one of those blurred terms you hear it all the time but it has an overwhelming amount of definitions. The traits that make up a good leader can vary depending on the team, organization, manager and type of work. Ultimately, an extraordinary leader is always thinking three steps ahead and strives to help others achieve their goals.
Do you have what it takes to be a great leader? I have gathered a few essential qualities that are possessed by some of the world’s most extraordinary leaders and formed the list below.
A Good Leader Communicates
A healthy line of communication is basically necessary if you want any chance at being a great leader. Being able to clearly communicate your vision and what you want done is extremely important. Talk to your employees on a daily basis and be approachable. Keep an open door policy and your team will come to you for anything.
A Good Leader is Honest
Here is the golden rule: as a leader your business and employees are a direct reflection of yourself. If you lie, cheat, and steal, guess what? Your employees are going to think it’s okay and lie, cheat, and steal along with you. So be honest and live up to the highest ethical standards. By doing so, you will influence the rest of your team to follow in your footsteps.
A Good Leader has a Good Deal of Positive Energy
There are always going to be ups and downs. You might lose money on a major project or find out your biggest client is now working with your competitor. Life happens and it’s your job to guide your employees through the process without panicking. This wont be easy but by instilling positive vibes you will boost morale which in turn, will boost productivity. Encourage your employees to laugh at their mistakes and find humor in the struggles.
A Good Leader Can be Playful at Times
You are probably thinking, “how can playful be a quality of a great leader”? But it’s true; many extraordinary leaders have a playful attitude. By creating an office atmosphere that’s fun, your employees will look forward to coming to work rather than dreading it. Get creative with this. Make your office dog friendly or put video games in the break room. Your employees will get excited about work, which will keep them loyal and raise their productivity levels.
A Good Leader is Decisive
Face it; employees are going to come to you for answers so you better have some. All leaders must make tough decisions. Be firm and have authority. The decisions you make are not always going to please everyone but timely decisions must be made in the best interest of the entire organization. Great leaders don’t hesitate in these types of situations. They are decisive.
A Good Leader is Always Committed to the Team
Extraordinary leaders lead by example and take responsibility for everyone’s actions, including their own. A true leader will pour the coffee, clean the toilets, and run the board meeting. By proving your commitment, you will earn the respect of your team. If you promised a summer picnic, keep your word.
A Good Leader is Always Accountable
You don’t want to be known as the boss that lets everything slide by, do you? Hold employees accountable. Follow up, check-in, and monitor their status on certain tasks. As important as checking-in is, also be sure to praise when things are going well.
These essential qualities are ones that every good leader should possess and learn to emphasize, including you. If you think you are struggling as a leader, a leadership coach can guide you in the right direction.
Written by Cathy Warschaw, CPC, ELI-MP
Founder & Make It Happen Coach
www.UpAllNightCoaching.com/dental
800.660.6707
© Up All Night Coaching, 2016
Do you have a coach? If not, you could be limiting your career success. That’s because coaches help you identify and focus on what’s important, which accelerates your success. They force you to think about your business in ways that you wouldn’t on your own. Now think about any stress you might have, a coach will show you how to take that stress and put it to good use. Athletes and top level Executives have relied on coaches for years to improve their game and careers. If multi-million-dollar executives and athletes rely on coaches to improve, why shouldn’t you? Up All Night Coaching is the answer for all of your coaching needs.
