You might think that to be a truly effective leader all that is required is drive, ambition and more than a touch of charisma. Whilst these traits are undoubtedly important, they are not the only traits that a great leader needs. As a leader you are constantly being handed challenges. Whether your organisation is big or small there is one thing to note - great leadership is at the heart of any successful company.
Here is our list of 8 things that all great leaders have in common.
1.Communication
To be a great leader you have to be able to communicate effectively with everyone, but you also have to be able to listen as well. When a great leader does speak they are not just clear in what they say but they are also consistent in how they do communicate and above all they are genuine. This is possibly the most important trait that a great leader has.
2.Humble
A great leader doesn’t need to go around announcing to everyone that that is what they are. They don’t even act like they are great leaders. They are humble, and the people around them know that they are the person in charge and they respect them.
3.Vision
A great leader has vision. They know exactly where they are headed, and they also know why. They are mindful of what is going on at the present time, but they are always thinking ahead to what they have planned for the future.
4. Core values
Core values are important, and the best leaders are mindful of exactly what their values are. They don’t just keep them to themselves but share them with others and will work tirelessly to make sure that they, their company and their employees stick to them. It is these core values that sets the levels and helps to provide appropriate guidelines on behaviour for their employees.
5.Realistic
A great leader is realistic, they know that people have faults and weaknesses and are prepared to put their hand up to having their own. Accepting your faults means that you are more easily able to work to address them rather than overlooking them. This is a trait that can also pass over into their business and rather than denying that there are potential issues with something they will actively seek to find solutions to correct those issues.
6.Confidence
When things are getting tough then confidence isn’t just important - it is vital. Employees take their cues from those who are in charge of them so when things are down a leader’s confidence can help boost everyone. Whilst a great leader can have an abundance of confidence it is important to make sure that this does not quickly turn to arrogance.
7. Independent
Whilst it is true that a great leader can, and does, work well with others, and even asks for assistance when necessary, they can also be very self-directed. They might confer with their employees to gather their ideas and opinions, but they are more likely to do this and then retreat so that they can look at all the information and put it into some kind of order.
8.Empowerment
And finally, a great leader sets their employees up for success, they do not desert them or leave them to cope on their own when help is needed.
If you are looking for a career where you will be able to work for a boss who is a great leader then get in touch with a London event recruitment agency who can help you find exactly the right job and leader to inspire you.