By There are a number of traits that can be associated with effective leadership. These traits include: self-confidence, desire to influence others, determination, and ability to pursue goals. Some characteristics of good leaders also include the ability to take risks and build trust. In addition, they must have a strong moral character.
Honesty
Honesty is one of the most important attributes of an effective leader. It helps leaders build trust and respect with their followers. Without it, a leader loses credibility and is incapable of inspiring trust and commitment in others. Honesty also lends credibility and influence to a leader.
Honesty can take many forms, but it is an essential trait for any leader. It doesn’t matter how old, how educated, or what culture you come from, being honest is universal. Honesty starts with understanding yourself, which involves being open to others and revealing your true intentions. Honesty in leadership also includes being true to one’s word, keeping commitments, and delivering on time.
Integrity
A common trait of effective leadership is integrity. People tend to follow people they can trust and respect, so leaders who are true to their principles will be able to build a strong reputation. Leaders with integrity will also be open, honest, and straightforward in all interactions with others. This trait builds trust between team members and creates a culture where people are willing to follow direction.
Leaders with integrity strive to live by their values, which should guide their actions and decisions. They consider the impact their actions and words have on their employees and the company. A leader with integrity never fails to follow through on commitments, is honest about his or her goals, and never hides the truth.
Open-mindedness
An open-minded mindset is a vital characteristic of effective leaders. Open-mindedness helps leaders to consider opposing viewpoints and develop new ideas. It also helps leaders to trust others and remain self-aware. However, Scot French HPS open-mindedness can be challenging. Fortunately, it is not impossible to develop and practice this trait. Here are a few ways to start. First, practice being open-minded.
Open-mindedness varies in degree depending on context. Some leaders are more open than others. In addition, some people have an open-minded view of sexual minorities. This doesn’t mean they automatically reject opposing views as wrong, but rather that they don’t have an axe to grind.
Resilience
Resilient leaders have the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and develop a positive mindset. They know that no one can predict the future, but they can control how they react. In a recent HBR article, Steven Snyder outlines the steps that aspiring leaders can take to build a resilience bank.
Resilient people tend to have a positive outlook on life and are motivated by challenges. They strive to achieve their goals and pursue meaning even when their initial efforts fail. They also have an active approach to problem-solving and seek ways to overcome obstacles.
Empathy
Empathy is a vital leadership trait that can break down divisions within a team and drive commitment to a shared goal. It also allows team members to express their unique talents and backgrounds, allowing the company to benefit from the diversity of individuals. Without empathy, teams can become polarized, grinding down productivity. Empathic leaders are able to bring team members together with a shared sense of vulnerability, respect, and dedication.
Empathy can be developed by taking time to understand others. Managers should be good listeners and pay attention to nonverbal cues, including tone of voice, pace of speech, facial expressions, and gestures. Empathy is a key leadership skill that helps managers deal with the complexities of today’s workforce. Using research-based topics modules can help managers develop their emotional intelligence.
