You may have heard the term, born leader. Leadership qualities are innate in a person. It may be true that some traits are god-gifted such as charisma, a sense of humour and humility. However, according to research that only a few qualities of leadership are hereditary. That means, most main leadership qualities can be learnt and improved over a period including goal-setting, decisiveness, communication, strategic and critical thinking, etc.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the five qualities of leaders that executives demonstrate in the professional and personal life. We will emphasise how you can acquire these qualities if you see yourself as a leader in future.
Executives Are Self-Aware and Prioritise Personal Development
Executives with leadership qualities are always keen to improve their emotional intelligence and self-awareness. They work to get better by being more resilient, adaptive and accepting feedback and even criticism from others. They are also open-minded and prefer to listen more than to speak.
How You Can Improve
In the following ways, you can acquire self-awareness and emotional intelligence trait:
- Set goals, priorities and responsibilities and work to achieve them. Also, bear the responsibility if you fall short of reaching the target or make a mistake along the way.
- Successful leaders focus on the big picture, avoid distractions, and avoid small tactical details. Practice this behaviour to manage time and attention effectively.
Leaders want others to grow too
This quality of leadership revolves around the philosophy of the contingency approach. The theory of Situational leadership also says that an effective leader adapts to the fact that a person or group is ready, willing and able to take particular actions. According to Goode, important tasks for situational leadership are coaching, delegation and mentoring.
How You Can Improve
The below-mentioned behaviours will help you demonstrate leadership qualities while developing others in the organization.
- Recruit and build teams with different skills and backgrounds, and give team members the esteem and space to trust each other.
- Empathy for a coach is also a strength. Effective leaders know how to be assertive and kind at the same time.
- Make real connections with people outside your organization. Find an active person who will make your team stronger, even if the membership is incompatible with current needs.
Leaders Encourage Innovation, Thinking and Action
“As a leader, you have to look ahead. You have to think about the purpose of the organization,” experts say.
When making strategic business decisions, managers must consider internal organizational factors, such as product plans and personnel requirements, as well as external factors, including government regulations and technological advancements.
How You Can Improve
- A focus on the following behaviours promotes leadership qualities related to strategic thinking, innovation, and action.
- Maintain a flexible attitude and be willing to try new ideas. This is especially true for first-time executives, whose business goals change often and business plans are difficult to implement.
- Show genuine interest in your colleagues and subordinates and the company you work for. Your team is no longer looked up to what you do if you are lacking apathy.
Leaders Are Civic-Minded and Ethical
The ethical base behind the decisions of a leader enhances his credibility among the subordinates. An effective leader has always to set an example for his followers.
How You Can Improve
- There is a simple principle to acquire this trait of leadership. Make yourself accountable.
- Be transparent, open and authentic in the professional and personal life.
Leaders Attribute to Cross-Cultural Communication
Good communication skills are the backbone of leaders. Without it, they can effectively communicate the message. In today’s era, it is a must for a leader to have skills to communicate with a person belonging to any culture, religion or ethnicity.
How You Can Improve
- Start to understand people more. Listen to them more. This will help you to place your feet in the shoe.
- The other important factor in improving communication is understanding modern apps such as LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
These are the top leadership qualities in executives. Whether you are hiring executives for your company or you simply want to improve your leadership skills, you can explore these qualities to hire an executive or to hone your skills. You can also hire an executive search company to help you recruiting executives with leadership skills.
