What are the key indicators of effective leadership?

A great leader will assess the qualities of the organization for a certain period. Based on this analysis he (she) will determine what strengths are available and how best to utilize them in the pursuit of organizational future goals. Letting the members show their capabilities in the advancement of the team will encourage open and honest sharing and team building. Giving people the opportunity to steer the future of the company keeps people engaged and happy to be part of something bigger than themselves.

I’ve found that having empathy for your people will always pay you back in spades. First, the people recognize that you are a caring and understanding person. Secondly, they will typically not want to take advantage of your kindness. Kindness and compaction are not weakness, but rather a leadership strength.

In my experience, effective leaders exhibit clear and consistent communication, ensuring that their vision, expectations, and feedback are understood by all team members. They demonstrate emotional intelligence, managing their emotions and understanding others’, which helps in building strong, trusting relationships. Effective leaders also lead by example, embodying the values and work ethic they wish to see in their team. They encourage innovation and creativity, providing opportunities for growth and development, while also being decisive and accountable, taking responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Never fall in the trap of paralysis by analysis. Be cognizant that you will never have all the information that you would like to make an ‘optimal’ decision. Understand also, that you might make the wrong decision, in which case you face the truth and move on. Being able to make a decision is a strong leadership trait but make sure you take the responsibility that goes with it, right or wrong. No decision can also be a decision but don’t use that if a decision to take action must be made.

In my experience, there is no substitute for professional integrity and ethics. Under the most difficult times (like combat for example) people are looking to you to do the right thing, even when nobody is looking! People can see through your personality like a pane of crystal clear glass and will make note of how you handle every situation. Be able to be proud of your actions and motivations. Think of what the NY Time headline might say if you were not acting with integrity and ethics.

In addition, turnover, employee engagement, and statistical validation are crucial metrics as well. While less desirable for some managers, humility and vulnerability can factor as a contributing element to success, albeit to a lesser degree.