Leadership is something that has been a part of mankind since the very beginning. From the days of leaders of small clans to the days when kings were the leaders of kingdoms. There was a time when people believed that great leaders were born that way; they call this the Great Man Theory. Eventually, that was replaced with the Behavioural Theory, which states that great leaders are largely made, rather than born.
There are many ways to lead successfully, however, great leaders all have similar traits that make them stand out. So, what truly makes a leader great? Beyond titles and positions, it’s a unique blend of attributes that elevate them from the ordinary to the extraordinary. In this blog post, we will delve into what makes a great leader and why you should consider staying in your role because you have one.
1. The Ability to Communicate
Great leaders are good communicators. The ability to get your point across while listening to feedback is important. They can share their ideas clearly and listen to what others have to say. In a workplace, many decisions need to be made and everyone has a role in making things work well. Great leaders can explain their thoughts, hear from their team, and encourage everyone to speak openly. This helps avoid confusion, makes things clear, and promotes peaceful collaboration.
2. The Ability to Inspire
You’ve probably heard of the term “leadership by example”. Great leaders can motivate others just by how they carry themselves. They maintain consistent performance standards and hold themselves accountable. Every organisation has people watching others closely; therefore if you’re seen as a hardworking person, you’ll be noticed. Leaders who embody the organisation’s standards, inspire those under them to try to emulate them.
3. Good Decision-Making Ability
Being a leader requires you to make many decisions on a daily basis. Great leaders aren’t scared to make tough decisions. They weigh available information, consult with their team when needed, and are always ready to take calculated risks. Decisions are the building blocks of progress, and the difficult ones require the highest level of analysis. Great leaders believe in making sacrifices for their teams to thrive.
4. The Ability to Train, Empower, and Teach
Great leaders understand that to be able to get their team to perform to their high standards, they need to teach them. They know how to make people around them better versions of themselves. They also know the value of having a good team, so they do whatever it takes to help each member grow to be able to serve the organisation the best way they can. Great leaders are not scared of sharing their knowledge with others.
5. Vision, Ambition, and Courage
At the heart of great leadership lies a compelling vision. Exceptional leaders possess the ability to envision the future, formulate a strategic roadmap, and inspire their team to work collectively towards that vision. What drives them is their ambition and courage to follow through with their plans. Great leaders set high expectations for themselves and their team, they are not scared of failure.
6. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
The ability to understand and resonate with the emotions of your team is a great way to earn their trust. Great leaders forge connections, create a supportive work environment, and demonstrate genuine concern for their team members’ well-being. They can understand why a certain team member is performing below standard and find a solution. This helps develop a stronger connection with the team.
7. The Passion to Learn and Adapt
Great leaders understand that there is always something new to learn. They deal with a wide variety of individuals with different personalities. They know that the best approach to deal with each one of them varies. This passion for finding better solutions inspires the growth of the organisation as a whole. Trends always change, and smart leaders make sure they are always current.
8. Conflict Resolution
There are bound to be conflicts wherever many people operate in a similar space. Navigating conflicts is a skill great leaders master. They approach disagreements with patience, objectivity, and a focus on finding solutions. At the end of the dispute, both sides have a better understanding of the situation and are ready to give their best to the team. This ability to mediate ensures a harmonious work environment.
Why You Should Consider Staying in Your Role Because of A Great Leader
You should consider staying in your role if you’re under a leader who exhibits these qualities for many reasons. A few are:
- They can communicate effectively in a way that you understand exactly what you need to do.
- They’re a source of inspiration, so you believe that you can be where they are if you follow their lead.
- They empower you to become the best version of yourself through their mentorship.
- They make an effort to understand how you’re feeling and empathise with you.
- They can resolve any conflicts amicably.
These are some reasons why staying in your role because of a great leader can be beneficial to your career.