5 Traits of an Absolutely Phenomenal Leader
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These are five traits that are must-haves to be an absolutely phenomenal leader.
Of course, there are plenty more that I could mention, but these are a list of the top 5 that I observe in leaders who are crushing it.
Whether you're hiring or promoting into a leadership role, you're already a leader, or you want to move into a leadership position and looking to up your game, pay attention. These are critical for leaders to be wildly effective and successful in their roles.
“You don’t have to be afraid of conflict with great leaders because you can trust them to remain levelheaded and be solution-oriented. ”
1. They are great at feedback and conflict.
So important, and it’s no mistake that I’m putting it first. Phenomenal leaders are fantastic at navigating conflict and feedback — you don’t have to fear or avoid challenging conversations, tiptoe around them, or worry that they’ll feel threatened by receiving feedback. You can trust that they will respond well to feedback and see it as an opportunity. They are also highly skilled at giving feedback and coaching others.
You don’t have to be afraid of conflict with great leaders because you can trust them to remain levelheaded and be solution-oriented. They are able to make you feel listened to and validate your perspective and experience, even when they don’t agree with you. This takes a lot of emotional intelligence and self-regulation, and it is also a reflection of high emotional intelligence and self-regulation.
People who are terrible at navigating feedback and conflict do not belong in leadership positions, period.
2. They have high accountability & integrity.
They take full ownership of their actions, behavior, energy, and word choice. Great leaders are mindful of how they impact and contribute to other’s experiences in the workplace. They don’t make excuses for themselves or blame others — they take ownership. They don’t create or tolerate drama or gossip, if they have an issue with someone, they handle it directly with that person.
“They don’t make excuses for themselves or blame others — they take ownership.”
Another aspect of integrity is consistency. Being the same person and version of you in every room that you’re in, regardless of who else is in the room is an example of integrity.
Accountability and integrity are huge for leaders.
3. They are excellent communicators.
Both verbally and written — they are able to clearly express their ideas and articulate what they are trying to convey.
Great leaders are also great teachers, which means when they have to explain something to someone else, they are able to understand the other person’s communication or learning style and effectively adapt to it.
A second part to this one; great leaders do not mince their words. They are able to say what they mean and understand how it will be interpreted by other people. They know how and when to employ tact and diplomacy when communicating, understanding the impact of their words, and choosing them carefully and thoughtfully.
4. They are highly self-aware.
This one is so important. exceptional leaders are aware of their own strengths, shortcomings, and everything in between. They are aware of how they impact other people and are self-reflective. They are open to feedback and have a growth mindset.
“Great leaders acknowledge that growth and progress are part of life and don’t waste time trying to constantly impress or appear perfect to others.”
Great leaders acknowledge that growth and progress are part of life and don’t waste time trying to constantly impress or appear perfect to others. They acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes; they extend empathy and grace, and don’t pounce on others for being imperfect.
They understand their own emotions, feelings, and responses. They are always trying to become more and more aware of their own biases and how those might impact their decision-making processes.
Self-awareness across the board is a key ingredient in excellent leaders.
5. They are humble.
Their ego isn’t the most important thing in the room. They don’t get high on having authority and control over others. They don’t care to be more important/smarter/better than others.
“They don’t get high on having authority and control over others.”
They give support to their teams. They understand they are in their position to lift others up. They praise people and are quick to lend a hand. They give credit to others, and when something goes wrong, they take responsibility. They celebrate their team as a coach AND player.
Final thoughts:
I can think of many more traits that are vital to being an exceptional leader — great leadership requires a lot. If you are hiring and wondering what traits to look for in leaders, see above. If you’re looking to up your leadership game, this is a great place to start.
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This article was created by Galen Emanuele for the #culturedrop. Free leadership and team culture content in less than 5 minutes a week. Check out the rest of this month's content and subscribe to the Culture Drop at https://bit.ly/culturedrop
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