Traits of a Great Leader — Especially During the “Great Resignation”
Unless you’ve been under a rock in the past two years — and even then you would have had to also be blindfolded with headphones on — you should know that the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a wave of self-evaluation and reflection of self-worth in professionals.
Industries around the world are experiencing the “great resignation”. Although there are many jobs currently available and many candidates are being hired, the resignation of so many workers has put the ball in the hands of job seekers when negotiating for salary and other benefits.
Maybe it’s just me, but the great resignation has hit academia and as a supervisor in higher education I’ve lost my entire team over the last year and a half. One of my initial reactions was to look within because “good people leave bad management”, right?
I questioned my own leadership skills and allowed doubt to creep in for a brief moment. Then I realize who I am. I am a great leader. I am a great role model. I am a great coach and educator. And, I embody these traits:
- Integrity: If a leader isn’t honest and doesn’t adhere to a moral code, how can they willingly expect other people to follow them? When people see that a person walks the walk in addition to talking the talk, they have more respect for that person, and more natural desire to follow them.
- Confidence. A good leader is confident in their ability to lead. If they’re timid and afraid, nobody is going to feel confident following them. A leader who speaks with assertion will find their orders followed effectively, while a leader who hems and haws will frequently open themselves up to negotiation.
- Commitment. A good leader needs to have resolute commitment to their goals if they want their team to unflaggingly follow them uphill. When a leader shows passion, drive, and a willingness to get their hands dirty, the team will rally to the cause.
- Communication. It’s incredibly frustrating to work with someone who doesn’t clearly spell out what they want. While miscommunication has literally lost battles, good communication can help a leader and their team carry out a mission effectively.
- Accountability. Nobody wants to work for someone who points fingers and passes the buck. It’s whiny, childish, and almost pitiful to see someone in power try and lay the blame on others, especially when those others are the proverbial people beneath them. By contrast, people appreciate the humility that comes with a sense of accountability — they find it endearing and a sign of strength.
- Empathy. The best of leaders not only commands a team — they know their team members. A leader who knows names, faces, and stories is someone with a team that feels appreciated, which in turn translates into success.
- Empowerment. You may think that people have a natural tendency to avoid work, but that’s not entirely true. People actually want to feel useful, and appreciate a leader who can empower them to make the right choices without micromanaging.
- Intelligence. You don’t have to be the brightest crayon in the box about everything, but you better know what you’re talking about if you’re a leader — and if you don’t, at least surround yourself with people who do.
Get to know the real you and uncover your strengths as a leader, especially now. Have you ever had a leadership personality assessment? This assessment can help you understand your strengths and your know where your stuck points are as a leader. Schedule some time with me to uncover your leadership personality and understand your personalize DISC assessment and customized report. https://shecaninspire.com/your-strengths
We are only limited by the things that we allow to limit us. The keys to success and productivity are already in our pockets. We just need someone to show us the lock and encourage us to open the door. Inspiration, empowerment, and support is waiting at www.shecaninspire.com.
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