Do You Have the Right Combination of Leadership Qualities?

There is no secret recipe to becoming a great leader. Some leaders are more direct and engaging, while others tend to quietly lead by example. The type of leader that effectively inspires one team member may not work for another. That said, there are certain qualities that tend to be inherent among all of the best leaders. These are qualities that you should be looking for in new hires, and be fostering in yourself.

Strong leaders are those who guide, support, and inspire. Those who do so effectively will gain the trust of a loyal following. In fact, employees may even be more dedicated to these particular individuals than they are to the company. And, if the leader moves on to another company, others may be inclined to follow.

But what makes these particular individuals so exceptional? Many of the best leaders are actually driven by their own faults or weaknesses – whether they realize it or not. In fact, those who bring out the best qualities in others are often striving to improve themselves. These individuals typically have incredibly high expectations, of themselves and those around them.

In this way, fear can play a prominent role in effective leadership. This could be a result of personal anxiety, striving for perfection, or from a desire to be admired or revered. It should come as no surprise that these individuals also tend to have a very low tolerance for mediocrity. Having tough standards can be either a positive or negative quality depending on the surrounding talent. On one hand, it can instill loyalty and help others improve. On the other hand, it can discourage and isolate individuals who otherwise have a lot of potential.

Each person may be inspired by a different type of leader. Those who are the most effective understand how to revise their leadership style in order to effectively engage with each individual. Team members should feel encouraged to communicate – and voice their ideas, opinions, and grievances. The best leaders also understand that everyone has their own particular work style, and make way for individuals to become the best version of themselves. This requires a level of trust and flexibility that not every manager has – at least not without practice.

Some leadership styles may be more conducive to certain individuals than others.  One common quality that exists among strong and effective leaders is effective communication. In order to learn and grow, team members need to feel heard and to receive productive feedback. While it’s true that sometimes tough criticism is necessary, the way that it is delivered will determine whether or not it will be beneficial in the long run.

Everyone has the potential to be a great leader – or at least to improve their own leadership abilities. Warmth and strength are two qualities that are essential if you want to motivate and inspire those around you. Doing so will not only improve individuals’ work products, but will also have a positive effect on workplace morale and even the company’s bottom line.