Good, Better, and the Best Leader (Part 2)

Let's sum up the first four qualities of the BEST leader that we have talked on the previous article (https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/eleni-keliri-loizides_leadership-good-better-best):

1) Strategic & Critical Thinking

2) Interpersonal Communication

3) Authenticity & Self-Awareness

4) Open-Mindedness & Creativity

In this article we are going to discuss another four (as promised!)

Flexibility

Most of the times leaders (& managers) are rigid on their decisions or on their management style. Same as "one size fits all" approach, which is not the case. A good leader will adapt a leadership style that fits his/her personality, a better leader will get to know the leadership styles and try to customize his/her leadership style based on the needs of his/her team, but the BEST leader will be flexible on his/her leadership style. Flexible leaders are those who are able to diagnose the requirements of a situation and shape their leadership approach accordingly. This is not just a skill but a quality of a leader, that is also highly needed in periods of big transitions, unstable and changing environments, as well as difficult teams to handle.

Responsibility & Dependability

Great Leaders are Dependable. With that being said, being a dependable leader means that your team can trust and rely on you. A dependable person follows through on their plans and keeps promises. The strong relationships built by a responsible leader create a resilient team that can work through any difficulties that may arise. A good leader takes responsibility for his/her action, while the BEST leader is responsible for the actions of his/her team, as well as their coherence with the other teams and their alignment with the overall goals.

Patience & Tenacity

I would categorize this quality as the first and foremost quality of the BEST leader.

Tenacity is one of the six core elements of leadership, but it is fueled by patience. Patience is a skill that can be acquired and built. Hey leader! This is one of the greatest skills you can learn as a leader.?I could write page after page for this topic but i will focus on the most important part: "Good things take time". Do not rush your team to do the work, seek for the quality not the quantity, give space and time to the team to perform. Be patient with their growth and their results, steady and small steps may lead to some, steep and high growth levels.

You can find more in this book: Truth, Trust + Tenacity:? How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders (Ritch K. Eich)

Continuous Improvement

Is it needed to be explained? :)

Here i have one excellent read for you: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-continuous-improvement-leader-engaging-people-for-a-digital-age

Just a highlight: The best leader aims to improve his/herself, is aware of his/her strengths and weaknesses and works on them on daily basis, but also he/she aim for the improvement of their teams, their skills and horizons.

In simple words: You will understand when you are no longer just a leader but THE BEST leader. The exact time when you start creating NEW LEADERS!

Leaders who want to create a culture of psychological safety, performance, and productivity need a solid foundation of trust. Dependability is the path to that trust.

Sources:

https://blog.stewartleadership.com/10-traits-of-a-dependable-leader

https://managinglifeatwork.com/leadership-flexibility-the-ultimate-beginners-guide/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentgleeson/2019/05/10/what-great-leaders-have-that-good-leaders-dont/

https://futurefocused.libsyn.com/ffp-036-patience-and-tenacity-in-leadership