7 Leadership Actions That Will Create More Trust and Engagement

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If you wonder where you stand against the high bar of leadership, an exercise in self-reflection is in order. You probably know the routine by now: Ask yourself how you compare to the standards and behaviors--the "reality checks"--listed below that define good leaders.

That will take some courage and honest appraisal on your part. My advice: process the information thoughtfully, acknowledge any potential blind spots, and see which area you would welcome further development.

The Reality Checks

Let's get started. Which of these would you consider an area of growth? Here are seven?reality checks?you must face to answer the question, "Where do I really stand as a leader?"?

1. Good leaders shine the spotlight on others.

So many bosses?need the spotlight to keep their inflated egos fed. But the most remarkable leaders?don't need the glory; they understand what they've achieved. They don't seek validation; true validation comes from within. They stand back and celebrate their accomplishments by?letting others shine, which helps boost the confidence of others.?

2. Good leaders know how to meet the needs of their people.

They are cognizant of what's?needed to keep their most valued team members engaged. They?ask?themselves questions?like:

• Do my employees know what is expected of them at work?
• Do my employees have the opportunity to do what they do best every day?
• Have?my top performers received recognition or praise for doing good work?
• Do I, or does someone at work, encourage employees' personal and professional development?

3. Good leaders welcome constructive feedback.

Many leaders I've coached?aren't willing to listen to constructive feedback because they operate in an "ego-system," not an ecosystem. Leaders open to feedback about their own performance will actively listen—without the urge to react or defend—ask questions, get clarification, reflect on the gaps they need to close and create action plans to improve themselves.

4. Good leaders speak truth to power.

The best leaders don't sugarcoat a work issue?to please others or try to look good. They speak truth with emotional honesty (vulnerability), and make decisions that are aligned with their character and integrity. That's why they have great reputations.

5. Good leaders allow healthy conflict to take place.

In other words, they allow and even expect team members with differences of opinion?to safely provide input,?respectfully challenge one another's point of view, and debate?their best ideas. In high-performing and collaborative work cultures, leaders?encourage?and model this kind of open candor without taking the opinions of others personally.

6. Good leaders foster an entrepreneurial spirit at work.

They?consider their employees as?business partners and?help make them?feel as if they own a small business. When this happens, you have the blueprint for a high-performing organization.?

7. Good leaders lead from the bottom up.

Bottom-up leadership flips the usual order of things, putting employees' needs at the heart of everything. Imagine your company structure as an upside-down pyramid, with leaders at the bottom supporting everyone else above them. This approach really builds trust and loyalty. When these leaders have one-on-one meetings with their team, they focus on understanding what challenges their team members are facing, rather than listing out a bunch of tasks and deadlines. They're all about jumping in and getting their hands dirty to help tackle those challenges together.

Your turn: What would you add as #8? List it in the comments and let's learn from each other.

Invitation to a Special Event: From Boss to Leader Program

Leaders and managers, I invite you to a special event hosted and facilitated by yours truly. On April 16th, the inaugural From Boss to Leader Program will kick off live. This is not a webinar with good information; it's a skills-based virtual workshop with leaders from around the world to elevate your leadership game! Click here or the graphic for full details.