Sometimes life can be hard – so let’s talk about it!
What makes a leader? Maybe this is your first time heading up a team, or you feel like group productivity has waned. When it comes down to it, any successful leader has these 5 essential qualities, regardless of company or stage of success. Let’s get into it!
1. Passion
If you don’t care about your business, goal, or company, chances are your team won’t either. And a leader isn’t quietly passionate, they’re loud and proud of the service they offer, the strides their teammates are making, and how excited they are about what’s next. You’ll find that if you start being more intentional about being a positive, passionate member of the team, it’s a spark that’ll quickly catch fire.
2. Patience
Being able to wait strategically is also a great quality that a leader needs. Recognizing that success doesn’t happen overnight is paramount, and also understanding that your team may not all learn the same way, or experience growth at the same rate. Some people will have better quarters than others, some may grasp new software better. Observe and honor what everyone brings to the table, give space and time for learning, and you’ll start to see more motivated, happier team members.
3. Communication
Having a great idea means nothing if you can’t tell it to others in a way they understand. Being able to communicate what needs to be done, in a way that your team can grasp and take action on, will be what separates a successful system from one that constantly lags. Communication also means being transparent, honest, and understanding with your team. Being open will also establish trust among your colleagues and make them feel valued. Additionally, another huge part of communication has nothing to do with talking, but listening. Being able to take in suggestions, comments, or even complaints and listen to them with an open ear will show that you’re willing to promote diplomacy instead of a dictatorship. Additionally, some members of the team will be able to tell you a fresh point of view that can help solve a problem or streamline workflow.
4. Accountability
When you’re the leader, the buck stops with you. If you try to pass blame or shirk responsibilities, that’s a surefire way to destroy the trust you’ve gained with your team. Knowing when to admit that you were wrong, or something didn’t pan out the way you thought it would, means that you’re willing to address a problem head-on, as opposed to attempting to sweep it under the rug, ignore it, or make it someone else’s headache.
5. Collaboration
Let’s face it, you won’t get anywhere if you try to take on every project yourself or refuse to give up some responsibilities to the members of your team. Trying to do everything on your own not only causes major burnout, but it also makes the members of your team feel like you don’t trust them. Being able to offload different points of a project not only makes the project move quicker, but it also shows that you’re able to delegate effectively.
These are also just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to shaping yourself into a good leader. Sometimes it can feel impossible to lead a team, or it can be nerve wracking when you start out. If you’re still feeling uncertain, or you want to be the leader of your own life and take control of your finances, book a FREE meeting with me today!
