While there’s no single blueprint for becoming a great leader, the most effective ones consistently display certain key behaviors.
These aren’t just personality traits or surface-level skills; they’re deliberate actions that inspire trust, drive success, and motivate others to perform at their best.
In today’s article, we’ll explore eight of these behaviors.
Whether you’re leading a team or simply looking to strengthen your influence, these insights can serve as powerful tools for growth.
Let’s dive in.
1) Exceptional leaders listen more than they speak
When you think about effective leadership, you might envision someone who speaks confidently and commands the room. But, in reality, one of the most valuable traits of a good leader is their ability to listen actively.
Listening to others shows respect for their ideas and contributions. It fosters trust, encourages open communication, and promotes a team-first mentality.
Not surprisingly, leaders who are active listeners tend to have teams that feel heard, valued, and more likely to perform at their best.
So if you’re striving to be a better leader, make sure you’re giving others the chance to speak up and share their thoughts.
2) Effective leaders show empathy
This is a big one. In fact some experts, like sociologist Dr. Tracy Brower, consider this “the most important leadership skill”.
I’ve learned in my own leadership journey that understanding and sharing the feelings of others can create a strong bond between a leader and their team.
In practice, this might look like taking the time to understand a team member’s personal situation which might be affecting their work, instead of simply reprimanding them for their performance.
I recall a time when one of my team members was regularly late to work and not meeting their deadlines. Instead of issuing a warning right away, I took them aside for a chat. I found out they were going through a tough divorce and were struggling to manage everything.
Showing empathy in that situation not only helped us find a solution to the work issue, but it also built trust and respect, which are invaluable in any leadership role.
3) Successful leaders practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your leadership skills.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, meetings, and deadlines. But being present and mindful in each moment can make a significant difference in how you lead.
As a leader, practicing mindfulness allows you to be more aware of your emotions, reactions, and decisions. It also helps you tune into the needs of your team and fosters a more positive and productive work environment.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the power of mindfulness and how it can transform your leadership style – and your life.
Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, incorporating mindfulness into your leadership approach can be incredibly beneficial.
Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn sums it up well when he says, “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”
4) Effective leaders embody emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, has become a hot topic in leadership circles, and with good reason.
EQ is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around you. It’s about being aware of how emotions can influence people’s actions and decisions.
In a leadership context, a high EQ allows you to effectively manage conflict, make informed decisions, and foster positive relationships within your team.
For instance, if a team member is clearly upset about a decision you’ve made, an emotionally intelligent leader will recognize their emotional state and address it appropriately. This might involve discussing the issue privately, acknowledging their feelings, and working together to find a solution.
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ in leadership; it’s essential.
5) Great leaders aren’t afraid to show vulnerability
Many people view leadership as being strong and unflappable. However, admitting when you’re unsure or have made a mistake can actually increase your team’s respect for you.
Basically, showing vulnerability humanizes you. It shows your team that you’re not perfect and that it’s okay for them to make mistakes too. This can foster an environment of trust, openness, and mutual growth.
This well-acknowledged by experts. For instance, the folks at Harvard Business Review have noted that “ Leaders who create the space for true vulnerability build psychologically safe work environments in which people feel welcome to be themselves.”
Moreover, being vulnerable allows for authentic connections with your team members, which can lead to more effective collaboration and teamwork.
6) Exceptional leaders embrace change
Change is a constant in life and business, and great leaders understand this.
Rather than resisting change, great leaders embrace it. They remain adaptable, flexible, and open to new ideas. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo or take calculated risks if it means improving their team or organization.
Moreover, they inspire their teams to see change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. This type of forward-thinking leadership helps create a culture of innovation and resilience.
7) Effective leaders have a clear vision
One of the most important roles of a leader is to set a clear vision for their team.
Without a clear vision, a team can feel directionless and unmotivated. But when a leader articulates a compelling vision, it can inspire and motivate the team to work towards achieving it.
And it’s not just about having a vision; it’s about communicating it effectively. I remember when I started Hack Spirit, my vision was to create a platform that promoted mindfulness and personal growth.
But it wasn’t enough just to have that vision—I had to convey it effectively to my team.
Perhaps, leadership expert and author Simon Sinek articulates this best. He once said, “Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity, it is as if we are talking about the past.”
The ability share your vision is what turns individual contributors into motivated team members, working together towards a common goal.
8) They lead by example
The old adage, “Practice what you preach,” rings especially true in leadership.
Exceptional leaders don’t just tell others what to do; they show how it’s done through their own behavior. They’re aware that their actions speak louder than words and that their team is watching closely.
Leading by example builds trust and respect, encourages accountability, and sets the standard for what’s expected.
Whether it’s displaying a strong work ethic, showing respect to all team members, or maintaining a positive attitude during challenging times, leading by example can have a powerful impact on your team’s morale and productivity.
The bottom line
In conclusion, effective leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, empathy, and leading with purpose.
The behaviors we’ve explored aren’t reserved for CEOs or world leaders; they’re traits anyone can develop to enhance their leadership skills and positively influence others.
So, take these insights, reflect on them, and begin applying them in your everyday interactions. You’ll be amazed at how these small, deliberate actions can transform not only your leadership but your entire team.
