It has been awhile! The past couple of months I have been busy with outside projects that have gotten in the way of my blog. Well, I have taken back my time! Enjoy… I was asked today, “what do you look for in leaders?” Interesting question that has had different answers from me over the years. What things come to your mind?
Here are my six (and not in any particular order):
They place team over individual. I truly enjoy a leader that is not afraid of the we did this, we did that and we will continue to exceed expectations. I hope to never work for a leader that only uses the “I” to describe his work and how it all gets done.
Seeks relentless improvement. Fact is – no one is perfect. Leaders that are not afraid of asking for improvement input are the leaders that are confident in their abilities and not afraid of not knowing everything. After getting said input, they are not afraid of sharing their improvement plans with their team. Helps with holding them accountable (plus you see that they do take that feedback seriously).
Pursues Excellence. Never satisfied with average or meeting expectations. When setting expectations – the okay is not the end goal – they always have a stretch goal that they expect everyone to be working towards.
Authentic Relationships. Keeping everything real. Ever have a leader go to a leadership class and go through the motions of what they just learned? We can see right through that act. The real leaders internalize and build into their DNA the changes or learnings to make it a part of them. You will never guess what is what we that kind of leader.
Present the right attitude. Being upbeat, authentic and positive helps the team see what they should be doing. Leaders have everyone’s eyes watching their every move. Make sure it is the right example.
They are a Servant Leader. The servant leader serves others, rather than others serving the leader. Serving others thus comes by helping them to achieve and improve. It is a old and simple leadership style, but one that is not always out front. Servant leadership takes work on the leaders part. If a leader is willing to put in the time for me, I am more than willing to put my best effort for the leader.
That is my short list. Can I add a few more items? Sure, but this is plenty!
How does that list look to you?
Image via – Copyright evdoha / 123RF Stock Photo
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