4 Traits of an Effective Leader

There’s certainly no “one-size-fits-all” managing approach. However, it has been shown that when managers are focused on being effective leaders, their good habits are picked up by their employees. In addition to focusing on their own advancement and authority, good leaders should focus on providing genuine and positive experiences for their peers and team members. Here are six traits that help form influential and effective leaders:

Effective Communication

The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully is a vital leadership skill. It involves more than listening attentively and providing responses; it also includes asking smart questions, sharing important information, clearing up misunderstandings, and being clear and direct about your expectations. By being a good communicator, your team will have a better understanding of their role.

Empowerment

Truly great leaders understand that in order for people to do their best, they must feel a sense of pride in their work and believe that what they’re doing is meaningful. It is a good idea to communicate clear expectations (such as goals and deadlines) to your team, and then leave them with the authority to decide how that work gets done.

Vision

It’s important to have a look into your company’s future and create goals that make sense for that trajectory. Good leaders are optimistic, confident, and they look to inspire growth. Being a visionary means managing change in conjunction with a balance between growth and stability. It also means understanding that things are always changing, and that what has worked in the past may not work now.

Accountability

Successful bosses know how to use their authority and power appropriately so as to not overpower or overwhelm their employees. They hold themselves accountable for their own mistakes and expect others to do the same. They understand the importance of supporting individuality while still following the rules and policies that are put in place.

Motivation
The best leaders push their team forward with enthusiasm and passion. If you invest time in your people and determine their needs, priorities, and strengths, they will feel valuable and you will better understand how to motivate them. Make sure to show them that their work is making a difference, and continue to encourage the development of their skills with reasonable (but meaningful) goals.

Being an effective leader can be a challenging job, but it can also be very rewarding. If you’re looking to evolve your leadership skills, make sure to incorporate these five traits into your skill set. You & your team will be better off for it!