So You Want to Spot a True Leader

SPOTTING a true leader is not difficult.

They are the people who know who they really are - and also what they stand for.

Unfortunately, not all leaders are like that.

Some people in management roles put on a ‘mask’ to hide who they truly are.

They may do this by ordering people around - or forcefully commanding attention - both of which are not the sort of leadership traits that command loyalty or respect.

By contrast, being a true leader involves practising excellence, integrity, self-awareness, and emotional honesty on a consistent basis.

In a recent Inc.com article, leadership expert Marcel Schwantz highlights some of the best ways to spot a true leader, including:

1. They display authenticity

True leaders are able to admit they are not perfect - and allow themselves to make mistakes and take responsibility for them. Similarly, their employees can do the same without judgement. This is because the trust and loyalty built up between the two is strong, and both parties feel comfortable enough to admit they have messed up, as well as doing everything they can to make reparations

2. They engage with people

As a true leader, you know how to engage with people, and not just their phones or laptops. At meetings, true leaders focus on the people in the room and put the emphasis on working relationships, while taking on board the views of others to lead with understanding and compassion. This is what true leadership is all about, and the reason it is so important in the life of a leader - or just about anyone for that matter

3. They encourage Emotional Intelligence (EI)

According to world-renowned author and psychologist Daniel Goleman, EI greatly affects the quality of our decisions, behaviour and responses towards other. Put simply, EI is not just about how you feel, but how aware you are of your own state of mind and that of those around you. As a true leader this is critical in both managing your team and earning their trust and respect

4. They have unshakeable integrity

True leaders are honest and transparent in all of their dealings. A good boss is able to both communicate and understand what his or her employees need to know, truthfully and honestly, at all times. And, by showing such strong support and understanding for your team members, a strong leader will soon reap the benefits of a more engaged, loyal and respectful team

5. They lead by example

Any leader worth his or her salt knows how to consistently set a good example to their followers. This is because they know how to set the tone: and their employees follow. Thus, if you want your employees to be punctual, make sure you are always on time. And don’t forget to always treat everyone you interact with, with courtesy.

Of course, true leaders are also constantly learning, and always trying to improve themselves.

They keep their minds open to new ideas and possibilities - and are always furthering their leadership skills and working on new abilities.

Attitude and presence is also hugely important when it comes to being a true leader.

As marketing communications expert Craig Cincotta explains in a recent Entrepreneur article, great managers know how to use their body language to project positive energy to their employees.

They are also ‘transparent’ – leaving their employees in no doubt as to how they feel about things.

Finally, their attitude helps foster a culture of openness that dispels any misunderstandings, while also creating a strong and successful workplace culture.