There are many theories about what a good leader should be. Some focus on building authority, others on the ability to achieve goals, and others on good organization. However, some of the qualities of the best leaders are often not taken into account, although they are important to the functioning of the entire team. Which of them and why is it worth improving?
Internal consistency
Saying one thing and doing the other - this way you will certainly not build up your credibility among the team members. That's why a good leader is someone who is internally consistent - he or she keeps his or her thoughts, speech and actions aligned. He acts on the basis of his values and beliefs, so he is authentic and honest, he keeps his word, and that's how he can inspire trust - this is how he achieves his goals. Such internal integrity also contributes to sincere commitment, brings emotional stability, peace and composure to the team. A leader with this feature is also able to look at situations with a healthy distance, and is also consistent regardless of the circumstances. This makes certain of his behaviors "predictable" for his colleagues in a positive sense of the word - his subordinates know what his priorities will be even in the face of problematic situations, and this makes it easier for them to stay calm and increase their sense of security.
Flexibility
In case of crises, the ability to find new solutions is also useful. - It does not consist in variability in the rules of conduct, but in flexibility at the operational level. It is important for the leader to be able to react quickly even in the face of problems, to each time adjust his or her skills and experience as well as that of the team to the new context - explains Hanna Malinowska - business coach from the training and consulting company Integra Consulting Poland. - Of course, this does not mean resigning from the assumed goals, but optimizing the ways of achieving them. Such an ability to adapt quickly to current conditions or circumstances allows to maintain energy and concentration even in a very dynamically changing environment - she adds. An important issue in leadership is not only situational response, but also long-term management of change, which requires effective planning, implementation, strengthening and further monitoring of its effects. These tasks require constant development of flexibility of thinking, which consists of openness to new experiences, searching for unconventional solutions or going beyond schemes.
Optimism
According to specialists, in leadership, not only in the face of changes, but also in everyday life, a positive attitude is also important, of course without giving up on a rational approach. Keeping a smile on your face and believing that it will be good regardless of your mood and external factors is usually not easy. People do not always appreciate this attribute and even less frequently associate it with the attribute of a leader, but it is this attribute that allows them to see opportunities in what others see problems. Meanwhile, it is the ability desired by leaders, because it allows them to approach new challenges, which constantly appear in a dynamic business environment, with openness. Contrary to popular beliefs, optimism is not necessarily reserved for charismatic extroverts, even introverts can be positive about work and people, although they do not express it in such an expressive way.
Skilful listening
- Among the qualities of a good manager, communication skills are often mentioned. Unfortunately, they are often understood only as effective speaking. A convincing presentation of plans or a summary of completed projects is important for motivating the team, but what also counts is the ability to listen, because it allows to better understand the real needs and intentions of the interlocutor - explains Hanna Malinowska from Integra Consulting Poland. - If it is an employee, such a dialogue can be a starting point for planning its further multi-faceted development. Supporting co-workers in improving themselves is extremely important, because it is people who determine the success of an organisation - she adds. Listening carefully is also useful for leaders when there are conflicts in the team - by studying the arguments of each side, it is easier to work out an agreement.
Humility
This feature also helps in understanding others and finding common solutions, but not only. It is often said that a manager should be charismatic and self-confident - these are important characteristics of everyone who is to be followed by others, but adding humility to them makes the leader not exalted. He accepts that he doesn't always know everything, he can admit his mistakes, he is open to learning from everyone, including those with less experience. This attitude brings him/her closer to the team and makes him/her more authentic. A humble leader does not look for excuses, he feels responsible for his actions as well as those of his colleagues. This requires courage, so do not associate this trait with weakness or lack of own opinion.
Being a good leader is not easy - it requires constant learning, self-awareness and self-work. But it's an effort worth taking, because its effects affect the whole team. While improving, it is also worth taking into account the development of qualities that are not noticed on a daily basis, because they help to become a better and more effective leader.
Source: newsrm.tv
