7 Qualities That Can Make You a Great Leader

 

“What makes to be a great leader?”

When defining the term "leadership," it encompasses the ability of an individual or organization to "LEAD" or "GUIDE" other individuals, teams, or an entire organization.

Although leadership is not limited to this above-mentioned definition, it goes beyond the boundaries of just managing people and achieving targets. It's been more than a decade working in the industry and I still see a lack of leadership in certain areas or departments, which must be addressed cautiously by organizations because it depends on a leader's ability to lead and drive results. We need leaders, not just managers, in organizations in order to achieve high-end results from our employees.

It is true that in order to succeed, "knowledge and skill" are essential for an organization. However, it is also important to know how this knowledge and skill is being incorporated and if it is bringing actual results for your organization. Your organization needs a leader, not just a manager/supervisor managing reports, teams, and data with nothing extraordinary being driven by your organization as a whole. Your employees must be trained and ready for their next role, the "Leadership Role."

To become a great leader, you must possess the following seven qualities when taking your next step toward a leadership role:

Emanate Positive Energy

A leader must emanate positive energy rather than be of a complaining nature and negative attitude. Nobody would idealize such a person who beholds a negative attitude, has no passion, no willpower to succeed, and doesn’t help others stay passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated to work. Such people neither succeed nor do they encourage others to succeed in life. There have been instances in the past when I have seen people cribbing for getting the targets fulfilled and wanting their employees to follow them by being bossy with their attitude. Guys, believe me, this will never work. A great leader always carries a genuine smile on his/her face, loves his/her job and encourages others to follow him. You need to become an inspiration to your colleagues and subordinates rather than ask them to follow you. Staying positive not only makes you more likable and helps you gain your employees' trust, but it also boosts the morale of your team. According to the researchers, there is always a direct relationship between team morale and productivity. So, stay positive, passionate, and be an inspiration!

Have Proactive Attitude

When something goes wrong, blaming others is always an easy escape. However, a great leader will always first focus on solving the situation or mistake rather than blaming others for the mistake. Be a solution finder rather than finding out who made the mistake, what went wrong, and how and why it went wrong. An efficient leader always focuses on the causes of mistakes later, because they know where to focus and when. So, behold the proactive attitude. 

Delegate Tasks

Great leaders handle difficult tasks themselves and delegate other tasks, not because they don't want to do it, but because the time saved can be utilized in handling more valuable tasks and they trust their team’s ability to handle them better. So, delegate your tasks so you can concentrate on more important tasks.

 

Be Approachable

A great leader is always approachable and trusted by his employees to be approached to discuss their issues or concerns without fearing their loss of jobs. Leaders like Barak Obama, Sam Walton, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi are examples of great leaders. You must be open-minded and encourage new suggestions and constructively solve your employee's concerns. Fearing the loss of a job and getting discouraged from speaking up may lead to less productivity and a stream of negative mindsets for your employees. An honest truth is better than a sweet lie, so never discourage your employees to speak up. Be Approachable and Encourage Feedback.

Do what they expect of others 

A great leader is a trend setter. They do what they expect others to do. Example: If you want your employees to be punctual, then you must be punctual yourself to set an example. Another example is that when you want your employees to work hard and yield more productivity, then you also need to do the same and work harder to set an example for them. When you work hard and enjoy your work, you not only set an example but also tend to gain more respect from your employees.

Be Accountable

Great leaders take responsibility for their team’s actions because the team’s mistake is their mistake as they are leading it. Apart from taking responsibility for their actions, great leaders also ensure the wrong actions are not repeated in the future. So, be responsible and ensure mistakes are rectified to avoid any future mistakes.

Be Decisive

Many times, there are situations when leaders have to make decisions in no time based on a few facts and figures and results they are not sure of. Here, you must ensure that not every decision needs to be right, but it needs to be made. Remember, wrong decisions can be rectified, but a delayed decision may lead to worse consequences if not taken on time. This does not mean you can take decisions randomly, but when you don’t have a choice, you must move forward with something rather than nothing and with the utmost confidence and integrity.

Great leaders are also excellent communicators; non-judgmental; calm; self-motivated, open-minded, team-builders, great coaches; they respect others for their choices and decisions; they maintain healthy relationships with everyone around them; they accept feedback positively; they are goal-setters and achievers; and they have great negotiation skills too.

Although there can be a few personal traits as a person, the ones mentioned above cannot be overlooked as prominent ones that you must incorporate into your personality and day-to-day life.

A small effort to accept a change can lead you to great results, so think big, think positive. Everyone has a leader within; you just need to reawaken it.

Sakshi Vaashiisht

Corporate Trainer/Coach/Facilitator, Content Writer, Blogger, and Public Speaker