Four unexpected leadership qualities

Becoming a good leader is a topic often discussed, however often it is couched with criteria about strategy, long term vision, communication skills and leading others. Everybody defines leadership differently and I like the way John C Maxwell defines leadership,

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” 

I'd like to make a shift from the common view and suggest that there are actually four key ingredients to leadership and how you lead yourself that are more important than your strategic savvy. In fact these qualities could be seen as similar to the presence and leadership displayed by giant tall trees that stand tall in the forest guiding and protecting other smaller trees, plants and animals around them, These key ingredients include being:

1. Grounded - the secret here is being bigger on the inside than on the outside. Leaders who are grounded are solid, steady and able to hold their position and gain respect from their simple solid presence because their power center is derived from inside. Probably the most difficult job for a leader is to persuade others to follow. It can only be possible if you inspire your followers by setting a good example and being rooted and grounded firmly. For example when the going gets tough, people look up to leaders to see how to gauge the situation. When a leader is grounded they are more likely to stay calm under pressure and respond rather than react.
2. Gracious - the dictionary says being gracious is being courteous, kind and pleasant, especially towards someone of lower social status, in terms of leadership it goes even further. Think of someone you believe is gracious - it has a calm, quiet assuredness that may not be visible but very tangible in a felt manner. It's less about pushing your own ideas and more about listening hearing and holding space for others. It suggests an openness and gentleness while being strong and firm. “Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”—Thomas Merton
3. Growing - great leaders are always growing - are you? They are constantly in a state of curiosity, of openness to learning and acceptance that there is always more to learn and enjoy. True leaders never believe they know it all and are intentional in their development to ensure they keep up with the pace of change and can seize opportunities to be their best. "I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." —Ralph Nader
4. Grateful - the fourth key quality of great leaders is their gratitude. Are you able to park your own ego enough to express gratitude and give thanks to others for their work? Do you freely express your generous gratitude without prompting? Do you give thanks each day for the opportunity to lead and grow? "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." —Max DePree

These are definitely unexpected alternative leadership traits but in my experience they truly make a leader stand apart from the norm. What additional characteristics would you include?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandra Joy aka ‘AJ’ works with individuals & conscious enterprises committed to sustainable lifestyles and having a positive impact. AJ inspires millions of people around the globe through her Daily Uptimisms towards truth, authenticity, freedom, and joy.

Her goal at her property in the picturesque and historic Wollombi in rural Australia is to create a place of healing and light where people can rediscover the truth of themselves. Her goal is to plant a food forest to replenish the planet and improve quality of life through bringing joy to humanity.

You can follow, find or friend AJ here: www.alexandriajoy.com.au www.thejoybox.com.au www.uqpower.com.au