Leadership is a quality often associated with decisive action and the ability to command respect, but it takes more than this to make a truly great leader. Amid the bold and the boasting, one might overlook the subtler qualities of a standout figure. Whether professional, political, or otherwise, these are a few leadership traits that may be key for future success.
Patience
It’s no secret that leaders tend to have a disconnect from the challenges faced by everyday people, but the same goes for the reverse. Those who follow a leader likely don’t understand what it takes to lead a team through an average day, let alone a truly challenging scenario. Resorting to rudeness or anger won’t help them understand, but a patient hand is often just what they need. A calm and steady approach earns trust from your team when you need it most; you just have to be patient.
Empathy
A leader can only learn to be patient with others when they have the empathy to truly listen and understand those they work with. When a team knows that their leader trusts them with openness and honesty, they are more likely to feel seen and heard and find the inspiration to succeed. Try to understand your team from their perspective, and be honest about yours.
Emotional Awareness and Consistency
For a leader to practice patience and empathy, they must first recognize how their team reacts to them and their feelings. For better or for worse, a team looks to its leadership for guidance, and that may include how they should feel about a certain situation. If a leader acts in a brash and unpredictable manner, a team may feel unsure, even unsafe. It is important to consider how you are feeling, how you come across, and how you might want to adjust to keep your team grounded, focused, and confident.
Authenticity
A leader looking to practice emotional awareness and consistency may overcompensate, hiding their emotions and pretending to be someone they aren’t. A team isn’t blind to these changes, and an inauthentic leader will only exacerbate their concerns about a given issue. Though a leader should consider how they react, it doesn’t mean that they should hide how they feel. If you can be both measured and authentic, you will earn your team’s confidence and respect.
Honesty and Humility
No one can know everything, but a great leader has the willingness to admit this and to always keep learning. When a leader shares their shortcomings, it invites their team to help solve the problem together and creates an opportunity for the leader to learn what their team brings to the table. Collaboration can be a leader’s greatest strength, despite any ideas that a leader should go it alone.
Cultivating Leadership Qualities
Most of the leadership qualities identified above center around awareness and understanding. Whether the leader themselves or their team, a great leader is not caught up in their own bubble and making choices without considering their impact on others. Rather, a truly great leader is humble, honest, and aware, while remaining a steadfast figure that others can look toward for guidance.
