For centuries, the subject of leadership has been studied down to an art. Armies, scholars, governments, and businesses alike have asked over and over: what makes a good leader? What qualities should an effective leader possess? Naturally, personal brand and leadership are rarely as straightforward as a list of traits or as easy as checking every box. However, there are some strong attributes that set strong leaders apart from the rest.
1. A Good Leader Has Good Communication
There’s a reason why effective communication is at the top of every list of qualities that define a leader. Communication is the foundation for a strong organisational structure and can often make or break a team. Studies by Harvard Business Review find that poor communication drastically decreases team productivity, underscoring its significance in a professional setting.
A good leader knows how to balance talking with listening. To provide clear objectives and straightforward, easy-to-understand directions is an essential skill that characterises good leadership. When combined with open dialogue in your team that involves active listening, taking on board feedback and being aware of your people’s needs, great leaders are formed.
2. Committed to the development and growth of their team
People tend to thrive in an environment where they feel valued. One of the best approaches to show appreciation and investment in your team is to encourage them to succeed, invest in their growth and celebrate their wins openly. A good leader is also a teacher, committed to advocating for the upskilling and training of their team. When you invest in your employees, you also invest in the longevity, reputation, and effectiveness of your organisation. A good General is only as strong as their army, so a strong leader is only as effective as their team.
3. Create a safe space for innovation
A leader who is successful has the adaptability and bravery to accept both victories and losses. When your team is allowed to fail, you establish an environment where staff feel empowered to take chances, which is fundamental for creativity to flourish. Being open to learning experiences and fostering an environment where people are emboldened to take chances can lead to incredible results – don’t stifle this with the need to be perfect every time. If the journeys of companies like Apple and Uber are any indication, a good leader knows that small failures are just paving stones to big successes.
4. Trust & Integrity
A true leader is someone you can trust to take you in the right direction. All leaders should have high moral and ethical standards since they influence the team morale and overall cohesiveness of the work being done. Integrity inspires trust and commitment from employees who know they’re in safe hands.
A good leader understands that trust is a two-way street. Micromanaging is a thing of the past. In addition to boosting confidence, having trust in your staff to perform the tasks for which they were hired is essential to effectively accomplish the organisation’s objectives. Making space for employees to self-organise also frees up your time to concentrate on important strategic decisions and to bring your company’s vision to reality.
Where Taurus Comes into Play
The Taurus Team are fortunate to have Sharon Williams OAM, CEO and Founder, with decades of leadership experience.
If you’re a new Manager, CEO, Director or simply want to elevate your leadership style and strategy, we have an experienced team ready to assist. If you’re interested in mentoring and coaching from our Founder and CEO, don’t hesitate to get in touch.