There’s a lot of talk about the importance of being a leader and the power of leadership, and sometimes we think that just because we’re the boss or manager of a company, we’re already good leaders. Today I bring you some characteristics so you can recognize yourself as a leader, or start training to become one.
- A leader knows that holding the position of boss or manager doesn’t give them the gift of leadership.
- A leader doesn’t daydream. They build their dreams without losing sight of their goal, creating with each step the right conditions to achieve it.
- A leader shares their experience, knowledge and wisdom to help the people around them reach a common goal.
- A leader is aware of their influence and takes responsibility for setting an example through their own behaviour.
- A leader looks for the specific talent in each person around them, working out what each one can contribute to the group’s goals.
- A leader doesn’t have to be good at every job, but must know exactly who is best suited to each one.
- A leader doesn’t see hurdles or obstacles. They see opportunities and goals to reach.
- A leader doesn’t focus on problems; they focus on finding solutions.
- A leader doesn’t rely on a single point of view; they draw on the view of every person in the group, so their own vision ends up clearer.
Number 10 is my favourite: a leader takes on the job of discovering, teaching, preparing and training future leaders.
So tell me, do you consider yourself a good leader?
Further reading
- Common mistakes leaders make
- The entrepreneur’s mindset
- How to motivate your employees
- A drug cartel’s rules applied to business
Featured image: Archives of the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
