Start off with a Free assessment from Mindtools.com
We have all witnessed great leadership. We might also believe we have great leadership skills. Leadership certainly isn’t attached to a job description which is one of the greatest fallacies about leadership. If you’re curious about your own leadership skills, why not start by taking a free assessment and explore the findings. Mindtools offers just that. So, take the test and we’ll see you in a few minutes…
https://www.mindtools.com/apdfhaw/how-good-are-your-leadership-skills
What did you discover about your leadership skills?
1. Believe in Yourself:
Before anything else, we must know ourselves and also have confidence in ourselves and our abilities. Those in leadership who haven’t looked and worked within, there is likely limited insight for self and others. Confident and positive leaders inspire and empower those they lead.
2. Manage Emotions:
In a previou post, we explored and highlighted the concept of Emotional Intelligence commonly referred to as EQ. Great leaders are able to manage their emotions. They can stay calm, cool and collected especially when major challenges arise. They are able to hold space for those they lead and instead of reacting, can pause and consider the consequences of doing so.
Learning how to respond versus react is certainly a great leadership quality. One of my favorite strategies is my 24 Hour Rule. When emotions are running high (and there is not a true emergency to attend to), delay the response for 24 hours. In doing so, the emotions will subside therefore the response will be rational, thought based.
3. Aspire to Inspire:
Great leaders have the interest and ability to motivate others. Especially during times of change and conflict. We all recognize when we are in the midst of chaos, it is very difficult to find our way out. We are too close to the issue(s) at hand. A great leader is able to see how to navigate the maze and support the direction.
When an employee sees nothing but turbulence ahead, the leader is able to sketch the vision and assist with designing the steps to reach the goal. The leader is able to see what is best for the organization and for the individual. Some times the leader will recognize the person may not be equipped to reach the goal. In this situation, it’s about continuing to support the person to possibly find another project or even new employment.
Patience is an essential characteristic for great leaders especially when and employee is struggling with their own perceived inabilities. Painting a picture with the employee is essential, we have a canvas, paints and brushes and we can support them through working together to reach the desired goal. Not every employee can reach the goal, however the leader’s job isn’t to make that happen, rather to support the person on their journey whether they achieve the goal or not.
4. Lead by Example:
Having and displaying integrity are must have characteristics for great leaders. Great leaders are able to say no to the short term desires to achieve the long term gains.
There is a saying I learned years ago as my business was beginning to scale and I grew concerned about how people would feel about me. My business coach at the time asked me a question that I have also asked clients about. “Do you want to be liked or be respected”? This question is often confusing as our desire is to be liked, the feeling we experience when we are liked is connected to our childhood and the development of our self esteem. Moving from being liked to possibly only being respected requires an internal dialogue that it is ok to not be liked. Often leaders are both respected and liked, however being a leader can stimulate feelings of insecurity from those they lead.
If you are leading others, they may look to you for guidance. If your behaviors don’t match your message, you will quickly lose the necessary element of respect. If you set and uphold boundaries, you may not be liked, however respect will likely stay in place. The old adage “be careful what you hope/wish for” certainly applies in leadership. It can be lonely at the top, however it can also be an incredible experience.
5. Be Supportive:
Great leaders encourage others to also become great leaders! Pushing their ego aside and recognizing the strength that others possess. Great leaders can encourage those they lead to embark upon new opportunities. They encourage the use of professional coaches, mentors and education. Instead of just encouraging your employee to go find someone, assist with networking, mastermind groups, and educational opportunities within professional organizations.
It’s common for employees to be unaware of where to turn to for help. Great leaders help their employees to shine by holding their hand and developing rapport and trust for the day when more difficult conversations may occur.
In Conclusion:
Great leaders know how to get the best out of people, however they are also open to learning from those they lead. If you are working toward becoming a great leader, you must ask for help. Learn from those who have lead you and others you have witnessed in leadership roles. If you are looking to learn more about developing your leadership skills, call me for a free consultation at 440-212-4987.