What Do You See In Great Leaders?

Recently I read a blog on Leadership Freak (https://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com) where there were comparisons of the attributes we like and dislike from our leaders. As leaders, we’re challenged to create and nurture the culture of our organizations setting the moral tone and dictating the barometer of the morale. Rather than stating the obvious of what we dislike, I thought to give you some attributes which people genuinely like and appreciate from their leaders.

• VISION – Not only have a vision, but SHARE it and share it often. Let your members know where they are going and trust them to make wise decisions to get there.
• EXCITEMENT - Get jazzed about something. Folks are tired of long faces on their  leaders. If you think it makes you look important; in reality, you look depressed.
• BE HONEST - Don’t pretend it’s easy, just believe your team can find a way forward if everyone pulls together.
• PRAISE OTHERS - Tell the team about extraordinary efforts, remarkable results, and positive energy exhibited by others.
• SAY THANK YOU – Yes, we’re all getting paid to do our job, but gratitude is cost effective.
• BE LOYAL - The leaders who influence the most are loyal to individuals that hang with the people they believe in when times get tough.
• HONEST FEEDBACK - People WANT to know how they are doing. Nearly every person I ask says they would like more feedback; good and bad.
• LOOK AT BOTH SIDES OF THE COIN - See life from other points of view, not just your own.
• PRIORITIES - Sharing and having a life outside of work and encouraging members of your team to do the same.
• INSPIRATION – Inspire others to want to do more, learn more and be more.

Interestingly enough, not one of these things cost a penny, but is worth everything…

Be good to yourself…