WHAT MAKES A LEADER MAGNETIC?

They say that being able to get along with others is a primary skill that positions people to succeed in their careers. It’s easy to understand why this is so important, especially today. If we can get along with everyone (or with most people), we’re more likely to be viewed as the kind of person who is liked and trusted.

That makes sense on a few different levels. It’s hard to be supportive of someone we don’t have any affinity with, or feel that we don’t really know, much less have anything in common with.?

People who are able to get along with others have a knack for avoiding conflict and attracting others to their side.?

These are the kind of people who have a tendency to project themselves as empathetic and optimistic. They make everyone feel that this special person is on their side.? It’s difficult for most to dislike, distrust, and distance themselves from someone who is friendly, upbeat and sincerely interested in them.

There’s another trait that seems to be common in leaders who are able to muster support for their vision, or even their goals. It’s the passion and emotional magnetism that causes others to throw their lot in without doubting the leader’s ability to bring that vision, and them, to success.

Why is this trait so powerful? Possibly because those who have this passion and emotional magnetism, appear to also have unshakeable core values and beliefs. Much as we all like to think that most everyone has solid core values and beliefs, it’s often not the case. Even when people say that they do, when faced by logical persuasions, or expedient situations, those core values can sometimes shift into a different alignment. ?

Occasionally, having solid core values and principles can mean having to not be in alignment with the majority, but have the courage to walk in a different direction to the crowd. This is not always easy, but those who really have solid core values, will find they are compelled by their inner compass to stick to what they fully believe is the right course of action, even though others may feel that they are inflexible and stubborn.

In today’s complex and fluid global evolutions, a leader who is both able to get along with others and still remain true to their solid core values, is one who begins to develop an aura of trustworthiness and integrity. The kind of person who will not say one thing yet mean another, or suddenly move from one promise to another which contradicts the first.

In my previous article , I mentioned ways in which we can chart a humane path in an AI world, but I didn’t go into detail in many areas. There is one thing I didn’t speak about, which the leader I describe should be vigilant about.

In today's world holograms, generative AI and instantaneous communication can sometimes present ‘creative products’ which are not necessarily based in reality. ?

Having solid core values, an inner compass, and courage, makes it easier to discern what is real, and what is not.

When team members look to leaders to set their direction, they want to know beyond any doubt that this leadership is entirely trustworthy. Integrity keeps the entire team on track, unfazed by any ups and downs of changing trends.

When we behave in such a way that team members know we can be trusted, we have to be intentional about our words and how we interact with others. Whether our words are spoken, or written, they must align with who we are, and with the decisions flowing from our values.?

One of the things I’ve become more aware of lately, is the importance of how we use words, especially in written communication.? When we use technology, for instance the Optevo platform, there is a record of everything that has been written. An accurate and accessible audit trail can quickly reveal if our communications contradict each other, or suddenly veer off in a different direction.

I’m not suggesting that we cannot ever have a mindset shift, or direction change, prompted by a clearer understanding, or new information. I’m just suggesting that we cannot maintain integrity and trustworthiness if we flip-flop with each new external pressure, or popular point of view.?

Being a great leader is more than just being likable and having the ability to get along with everyone.

It’s something that is recognizably solid and trustworthy in the long term. It’s the ability to do our best to mentor, inspire and direct our team members in the best possible way for both their own personal, and professional growth, as well as in alignment with the organizational vision.?

#AI #WorkManagement #HumanCentric

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