Building - or Strengthening - an Effective Leader

Any team of employees with a project to complete hopes that whoever is in charge is a strong and effective leader, capable of propelling them to a successful outcome; unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the person designated as the "boss" or the "one in charge" is merely a figurehead who lacks the skills necessary for effective leadership.

Indeed, leadership necessitates a particular mindset and a host of interlocking traits that combine in an individual that motivate and empower a team. Imagine if you were building an ideal leader - or if you are interested in becoming a more effective leader, the innumerable qualities to consider adopting or honing, including these (and likely scores more):

Visionary - Great leaders see where they want to go - and they keep their eye steadily on the horizon, no matter what distractions, detours or misfortunes arise. They don’t get knocked off course by inevitable distractions.

Motivational/inspirational - Effective leaders create a collaborative atmosphere that helps their team feel invested in the project and committed to its success. They communicate the bigger picture and help each team member understand their part in achieving it.

Self-aware, emotionally intelligent → empathetic - Good leaders are in touch with their own emotions, attitudes and perspectives and understand the ways in which they can affect their performance. This keen self-awareness helps them to understand on a profound level the way these personal aspects can affect the way others perform their jobs. This human sensitivity enables them to motivate others more effectively.

Ask for help and advice - Effective leaders are realistic enough to know that they don’t know everything - nor are they expected to. They recognize when their knowledge or experience is lacking and seek out the assistance and/or counsel they need so they can learn what’s necessary to lead from a place of enlightenment and strength.

Generous - Strong leaders ensure their team’s success by equipping them with all the tools and support they need to do their best work. They heap praise upon team members’ efforts and generously reward their success at the conclusion of the project. They recognize the success is not theirs, but that of the team as a whole.

Effective communicators - The best leaders speak clearly, completely and with passion to get their point across. They tell a compelling story that motivates and inspires their team. They go the extra mile to make sure everyone on the team understands the mission and the means to accomplish their goals.

Active listening - Effective leaders listen to their team members’ questions, concerns and ideas and allow them to inform their decisions and actions moving forward. In this way, they are open to improving their leadership by listening to those they lead.

Genuine and humble - Leaders who are best at motivating don’t think of themselves as being "better than" or "above" the rest of their team. They recognize everyone has a job to do and no role is more important than another. They respect the contributions of every team member and work right alongside everyone else with their shared goals propelling their efforts. No job is beneath them - they’re likely to pitch in wherever necessary, in any capacity they’re needed.

Bring out the best in everyone on the team - In the hands of a strong leader, every member of a team is empowered to do their best work, and are recognized and appreciated for the unique abilities they contribute to the whole.

Reward progress - Those on a team with a great leader never wonder if they’re doing a good job - or if anyone cares that they’re doing a good job. Progress - and those who bring it about - will be celebrated and rewarded for their efforts.

Nurture leadership qualities in others - Great leaders realize that leadership qualities don’t only exist in those with authority over others; they can and do exist in anyone. A wise leader will support those qualities when noticed in team members because they make for a stronger, more motivated employee - and a more well-rounded team.

Integrity/trustworthy - Nobody wants to work for someone they don’t trust. A good leader doesn’t cut corners, cheat or exhibit behavior that is less than admirable. A leader who employees respect is a leader who will have an eager and enthusiastic team.

Know and work from their own strengths - A keen sense of their own abilities - and shortfalls - is key to effective leadership. Having reasonable expectations of what they are capable of doing themselves enables great leaders to seek out those whose abilities will fill in gaps and complement their work style.

Think creatively - Effective leaders are known for their ability to think out of the box and find new and different approaches to problem solving. The best among them go beyond solving problems; they create lasting solutions and innovate.

Model and support accountability - In order to ensure that things go right, great leaders keep their promises, their word and their deadlines. In short, they don’t pass the buck and they respect when others approach their jobs with an equal degree of professionalism. They are impressed and appreciative when they see such accountability in the actions and attitudes of their team members.

Don’t shirk from making hard decisions - Leadership doesn’t necessarily make for being popular. Effective leaders are mature and recognize that sometimes, as the "adults," it’s up to them to do hard things, make tough decisions, and have difficult conversations. They realize it’s the only way to keep things moving forward.

As you can see, the definition of leader includes a multitude of rich, complex human-centered qualities, traits, aptitudes, mindsets and proclivities. When embodied, they can motivate and empower others to accomplish great goals. While there’s no "perfect" configuration of attributes or leadership style, the more that can be adopted, the more effective the leadership will tend to be.

What leadership qualities do you wish to adopt or hone?