At one point in my career, I was told that leaders needed to maintain a certain level of detachment and keep their work and personal lives separate. This viewpoint was based on the idea that showing vulnerability or emotion was a sign of weakness and that leaders needed to be seen as stoic and in control at all times. However, I have since realized that this perspective is outdated and counterproductive.
Leadership is not just about power and authority; it is about inspiring, guiding, and supporting those around you to achieve a common goal. Great leaders possess specific characteristics that set them apart from the rest. In this post, we will explore how the following 6 traits define a great leader: empathy, collaboration, proactivity, supportiveness, curiosity, and celebratory spirit.
Empathy: A great leader is someone who understands the feelings, needs, and perspectives of their team members. They are not only approachable but also create a safe and inclusive work environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Empathy helps leaders build stronger relationships with their team members, leading to better communication and increased productivity. Great leaders understand that by showing empathy towards their team members, they can create a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety that allows everyone to perform at their best.
Collaboration: Collaboration is an essential characteristic of a great leader. Great leaders understand the importance of teamwork and the role that each team member plays in achieving the team’s goals. They create an environment where everyone can contribute their unique skills and perspectives to a shared vision. By fostering collaboration, great leaders ensure that the team works together towards a common goal and that everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Proactivity: Great leaders take initiative and do not wait for problems to arise before taking action. They anticipate potential issues and work to prevent them before they occur. Proactivity is crucial for effective leadership because it allows leaders to stay ahead of the curve and lead their teams toward success. By being proactive, great leaders inspire their team members to take ownership of their work and be accountable for their actions.
Supportiveness: A great leader is supportive and acts as a mentor and coach to their team members. They provide guidance, feedback, and recognition to help their team members grow and develop their skills. Supportiveness helps to build a culture of continuous learning and development, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential. Great leaders also create an environment where everyone feels safe to take risks and make mistakes, knowing they will be supported and encouraged to learn from their experiences.
Curiosity: Curiosity is a defining characteristic of a great leader. They are always eager to learn, grow and improve, and they encourage their team members to do the same. Curiosity helps leaders to stay on top of industry trends and developments and to think creatively and innovatively about new solutions to problems. Great leaders are curious about their team members’ perspectives and ideas, and they are always looking for ways to improve the team’s performance.
Celebratory Spirit: Finally, a great leader is someone who loves to celebrate the success of others. They recognize the hard work and achievements of their team members and celebrate their successes. Celebrating success helps to build a culture of positivity and motivation, where everyone feels encouraged to do their best. Great leaders understand that by celebrating success, they can create a sense of community and connection within the team, which is essential for building a high-performing team.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it is crucial for leaders to recognize the importance of building solid relationships with their team members, showing empathy, and creating a positive work environment. By prioritizing these characteristics, leaders can inspire their team members to reach their full potential and achieve great things. A positive and supportive work environment helps to foster collaboration, creativity, and productivity, ultimately benefiting the entire organization. When leaders show empathy and support for their team members, they can create a culture of trust, respect, and mutual understanding that encourages ongoing learning and development. By embodying these characteristics, leaders can build a more engaged and motivated team better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of today’s business environment.
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References:
- Goleman, D. (1998). What Makes a Leader? Harvard Business Review.
- Lencioni, P. (2012). The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business. Jossey-Bass.
- Sinek, S. (2009). Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio.
Living Positive on Purpose 
Good article, you just taught me something about myself, for that thank you. It was the part where you talked about proactive. I have heard this word many times in my life. However never really thought about what the word means. I have a tendency to anticipate possible issues that could arise. I generally thought of it as playing devil’s advocate. Oh another thing what you outlined is way more productive. Besides even though all leaders could also be bosses. But not all bosses or more likely most bosses are not leaders. Enjoyed your article Robin.
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Thank you so much! I agree with your comment, “Besides even though all leaders could also be bosses. But not all bosses or more likely most bosses are not leaders.” It is so true we learn so much when we have a great leader and manager and when we don’t. As Jon Gordon said in the book, The Coffee Bean. “Realize that we don’t create the world from the outside in. We create and transform it from the inside out.” Great leaders are those that people are willing to follow, even without a title. Thank you so much for your comment. Best, RoBo
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