As a leader, you need to stay informed, open-minded, and interpret trends for your company. I have worked with amazing leaders in my career … and a few bad ones. I’m not perfect… I know I’ve had my moments! But the key is to learn from your mistakes and keep the lines of communication open.
Here are some insights I’ve learned over the years about what makes a good leader…
Active Listening
Stay open, actively listen, take notes, and seek clarification when necessary. It is not always easy to hear the truth, but you need to prepare yourself to accept the insights with humility and gratitude.
Authenticity
Authenticity is the degree to which a person’s actions are congruent with their values and desires, despite external pressures to social conformity.
Empathy
Successful managers and leaders need to have a good balance of both IQ and EQ.
Vision/Mission Oriented
Examine your current actions to see if they align with the ultimate vision. Be Proactive, rather than Reactive, and believe that decisions you make today can pay off 3-5 years in the future if you have the patience, determination, and fortitude.
