9 Key Qualities of a Leader

9 Key Qualities of a Leader

Being a leader becomes every one’s ambition. People think that being in that position gives them freedom and that they feel better and greater. Some people think that becoming a leader will give them that power to make them feel important. And some think that they can dictate orders and satisfy their ego. All these thoughts are incorrect.

Only a few leaders realize that leadership brings a great responsibility. It is more of a people leading role than a people praising role. There are so many challenges in leading people and one must master the skills required to lead the people to achieve the goals of the business, goals of the people and ultimately self-goals.

With experience I learnt that the below nine qualities are essential to become a good leader.

#Quality 1 – Be Passionate

History proves us that people will go to the ends of the earth; they do anything for you because you inspire them with your passion. Your passion will inspire them to take up new challenges. When you talk about your vision for the company, your objectives & goals your passion should be shining through your eyes. If you don’t have passion in what you do you will not be able to ignite the fire in their bellies. Without passion you just cannot become a great leader.

#Quality 2 - Don’t Boss People

I was very young when I stepped into a leadership role. In all the earlier years of my career I have seen few leaders Self-aggrandizing. But with experience I have learnt that it is a big mistake. People will not follow the one who shouts, easily gets irritated and who loses patience quite often. On the contrary, people follow when you give respect and be friendly with them. I advise that you show some concern about their feelings, needs and grievances. Spending some time daily with them will help you understand them better; it will also increase their self-esteem and their sense of belongingness. Make your team member feel important.

#Quality 3 - Set Expectations

In the beginning of your acquaintance with your team, I mean when they have joined your team, you must set some expectations. You should first tell what you want from them and how you wish them to work. Then, also ask them if they are ready to share what they expect from you. This mutual setting up of expectations will help reduce so many unwanted conflicts in the future and also will help in working along the lines. Setting expectations upfront is also a critical leadership tool of success.

#Quality 4 - Give Freedom

You delegate work appropriately. Delegating work will increase your employee’s confidence and skills. Don’t try to micro manage or don’t try to spoon feed them. Give them a task and give them great deal of freedom. Tell them that they can reach you if they need guidance. Let them do small mistakes and learn from their mistakes. This is a very good tool to develop your people. They will learn to take ownership and complete responsibility. Giving freedom will allow them learn new things, ideas, concepts and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

#Quality 5 - Trust your People

Trust is very important, most crucial in leadership. Take your time to understand a person but put your trust in them. And make them trust you. On mutual trust you can build bigger and better teams. Once you have placed your trust never do anything that shows them a sign of distrust. And, if you find someone breaking that trust, don’t let them be in your team. Trust is the utmost important value that you should protect.

#Quality 6 – Recognize Achievements

Every employee wants to achieve something and get recognized. You too were an employee before who wished that achievements were recognized. But only a few leaders do this. There is absolutely no harm in appreciating someone for a good work; it doesn’t cost you much though. Recognizing and rewarding are very effective tools to boost your employee’s confidence and enthusiasm.

#Quality 7 – Give Feedback

Feedback is a very important tool in leadership. Instead of waiting for one full year to give feedback to your employee on his performance, and give some surprises, give timely feedback to your people. Ideally, every three months you should give feedback on their performance and areas for improvement. This will help the employees to focus on their areas of improvement. You are giving them a chance to increase their performance efficiency. Your feedback should be candid & constructive. Never give your feedback in hurry. Fix a time slot, inform your employee to get ready. During the feedback session keep your phones off the hook, tell your receptionist not to disturb you and focus on the employee’s scope for development.

#Quality 8 – Take Feedback

A great leader is not afraid of taking feedback. Few think that asking feedback will make them weaker. But responsibility of a leader is not only to give feedback but must also take feedback. When you are finished with giving feedback ask your employee if he/she would like to give feedback on your leadership. This will not only give inputs on your areas of improvement but will also enhance your relationship with them. Sometimes we will get caught up in a delusion that whatever we do will be correct. We must overcome such delusionary thoughts and try to know what the other side of the coin looks like.

#Quality 9 – Be a good Role Model

Walk the talk, do whatever you preach. You must be disciplined, sincere and punctual. Whatever you would not want them to do should not be done by you. You must follow the rules so that your team is honest in following the laid rules. You are no exception because you are a leader. You too are a team member and you wouldn’t want to become a spoilsport.   

As John Quincy Adams rightly stated, if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a LEADER.