What qualities determine whether you’re an effective business leader?
We all know that a title does not by design anoint one as a leader. Leadership encompasses a vigorous mix of behaviors, mindset, and skills, which are used to motivate people where a leader wants them to be for the furtherance of an organisation.
It’s what he does, not his title, that makes someone a leader. And these ‘actions’ must be consistent with the leader’s and the company’s whys — the ultimate objectives. So what kind of actions make a leader effective?
Clearly communicating the company’s vision and performance expectations
Leaders are known to be brilliant communicators. Being one is a necessity. How else would you expect to get your team member on-board with your vision and enlighten them with the steps needed to achieve this vision?
This starts with a leader having to be genuine — meaning, he has to know who he is and what his values are, as well as what his plans for the future are. Transmitting your enthusiasm for the future is a surefire way to get your team to buy into your vision. But, you also need to be able to explicitly explain the performance expectations to your team so that they can see the bigger picture.
Being able to make lightning fast decisions with a good level of effectiveness
Leaders are known for being expert decision makers. They’re also known for making these decisions exceptionally fast. Why fast? Because during crunch time is when great leaders present themselves. You must know which decisions will have the biggest impact. You must be able to think rationally about how your options align with the ultimate objectives — your company’s whys.
Having no problem with putting the spotlight on others
Truly great leaders rarely make themselves the center of attention. They recognise and showcase their gratitude, of the hard work, dedication, success, and even other leadership efforts from team members.
They also inspire others to share their ideas and to speak-up so that they can voice their perspectives or point-of-view.
Working hard as a leader should not be fueled by attaining a certain degree of personal triumph. It is only through sharing the spotlight with others that a leader truly achieve success.
Accepting full responsibility of actions — especially the bad ones
Successful leaders don’t make excuses or throw their team under the bus when something didn’t go as planned. They don’t humiliate employees in front of everyone. They take full responsibility and blame. And, if they feel a team member made a mistake, they give this feedback to them in private. There is nothing worse than a leader that likes to point fingers when things go south.
Taking risks without being reckless
Everything that is worth doing involves risk. But there’s a difference between taking risks and taking calculated risks. To become an outstanding leader, you must understand the importance of taking risks, and you must be willing to try something new. Use your existing knowledge and expertise, resources, and intuition to judge whether or not the risk is worth it. Make sure the risks you’re taking would not jeopardise the team, and again, be accountable in the event that the risk does not pay off.
Leading by example
While this is a rather cliché statement, it doesn’t make it any less true. The best of leaders are the ones who “walk the walk.” If you want your team members to act and behave in a certain way, then be the first one to observe that behavior. And don’t do it just to be an example; do it because you genuinely believe in those principles.
Once your team members view you as hard working, trustworthy, transparent, ethical, and someone who treats everyone with respect, it will be extremely easier to motivate them to work towards your personal and business goals.
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