The kind of leader you become is important in determining the overall success of your team or company. After all, your employees will take their cues from you in terms of how to behave, what kind of work ethic to have, and what kinds of goals to strive for. With that in mind, here are ten qualities that the best leaders possess, and that you should aim to develop if you want to be a successful leader:
A commitment to providing a safe place to grow.
This means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks, trying new things, and making mistakes. It also means providing the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively.
The ability to open career doors.
The best leaders are always looking for ways to help their employees advance in their careers. This could involve providing opportunities for professional development, offering mentorship and guidance, or simply making introductions to people who can help further their career goals.
The best leaders provide their employees with a safe place to grow. They give them the opportunity to try new things and make mistakes without fear of repercussions. They also open doors for their employees, both literally and figuratively. They introduce them to new people and opportunities and help them develop their skills.
A willingness to defend the staff when needed.
When times are tough and the going gets tough, the best leaders have their employees' backs. This means standing up for them when they're being treated unfairly, advocating for them when they need it, and being a shoulder to cry on during difficult times.
A focus on rewarding and recognising employees.
The best leaders know that their employees are more likely to be motivated if they feel appreciated for their hard work. This means taking the time to give praise and rewards when they're deserved, and finding creative ways to show employees how much they matter.
A dedication to developing employees as leaders.
The best leaders recognise that leadership is something that can be developed in anyone, and they make a point of helping their employees grow into leaders in their own right. This could involve providing opportunities to take on additional responsibility, offering feedback and guidance, or simply being a role model of good leadership.
An ability to inspire employees to stretch higher.
The best leaders are always pushing their employees to reach their full potential. This means setting high standards, challenging them to do better, and offering support when they need it.
A willingness to lead by example.
The best leaders know that they need to set the tone for their employees, and that starts with leading by example. This means setting a good example in terms of work ethic, attitude, and behaviour.
An ability to tell employees their work matters.
The best leaders make their employees feel like their work is important and that they are making a difference. This could involve sharing stories about how their work has helped the company or its customers, or simply expressing gratitude for all that they do.
A readiness to forgive when employees make mistakes.
The best leaders know that mistakes are part of the learning process, and they're willing to forgive when employees make them. This doesn't mean overlooking serious errors, but it does mean being understanding and forgiving when mistakes are made.
A commitment to always be learning.
The best leaders know that they can't rest on their laurels and that they need to continually be learning and growing in order to be successful. This means staying up-to-date on industry trends, reading leadership books, and attending professional development workshops.
Becoming the best leader you can be is vital to the success of your team or company. By developing these ten qualities, you'll be well on your way to becoming the kind of leader that employees want to work for.
