Leadership is one of those things where people either just have it or they don’t. It only takes one good leader to change a dire situation into a fountain of purpose or opportunity.
It’s true that solid leadership is what makes the world go ’round. But what makes someone a good leader?
Is it their ability to sway people in new directions? Is it their natural charisma that makes people just want to follow them? Or is it a combination of many things?
Leadership traits have been widely studied by psychologists worldwide. In this article, we’ll discuss which leadership traits help bring out the best in others.
1) Empathy and understanding
Leadership is not just about directing others; it’s about truly understanding them. A natural leader recognizes this and makes it a priority to understand the individuals on their team.
Psychology underscores the importance of empathy in effective leadership. Empathy allows leaders to understand the feelings, needs, and perspectives of their teammates. It’s this understanding that enables them to motivate and inspire each team member in a way that resonates with them personally.
Natural leaders intuitively understand the power of empathy and put it into practice. They listen actively, showing genuine interest in their team members’ thoughts and feelings. They are not quick to judge or dismiss, but instead seek to understand different perspectives.
This empathetic approach fosters trust and respect within the team. Team members feel valued and understood, which in turn encourages them to give their best effort.
Embodying empathy doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or shying away from conflict. Instead, it means approaching these situations with an open mind and a willingness to understand others’ viewpoints.
Natural leaders promote a positive and collaborative team culture where everyone feels heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
2) Embraces self-growth and nurtures it in others
Natural leaders understand that leadership is not a static position. Rather, it’s a journey of continuous growth and learning. They’re not afraid to confront their own weaknesses and work towards self-improvement.
The willingness to grow is also extended to their team. A natural leader encourages team members to pursue their own personal growth and provides the necessary support and resources for them to do so. This is called transformational leadership.
I often remind my team (and myself) that growth is an ongoing process, not a destination. The essence of leadership lies in fostering a place where everyone feels safe to explore, learn, and grow together.
This commitment to growth creates a dynamic team culture where everyone continuously evolves and contributes their best. That’s what we want, right?
As the famous educator John Dewey once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
The same can be said about growth in the context of leadership. It’s not just about preparing team members for tasks or projects; it’s about nurturing their capacity for lifelong learning and development.
3) Able to adapt and evolve
One of the most distinctive signs of a natural leader is their ability to adapt and evolve in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Rather than viewing challenges as roadblocks, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
This perspective is not just about personal resilience. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
As a leader, I’ve had my fair share of failures and setbacks. But instead of letting these experiences discourage me, I’ve chosen to view them as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.
In my video, I delve into the concept of embracing obstacles as opportunities for growth, using my personal journey as an example.
By reframing challenges in this way, we cultivate a team culture that encourages innovation, resilience, and continuous learning. It fosters an environment where everyone feels safe to experiment, make mistakes, and grow from them.
If you found this discussion helpful and want to join 20,000 others exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Together, we can navigate the complexities of leadership and personal growth.
4) Cultivates a culture of mutual respect and cooperation
In any team or community, the culture is shaped by the values and behaviors of its members. As a leader, your actions set the tone for the entire group.
Psychology has proven that leadership influences workplace culture. So, how shall we digress? I would say a good place to start is creating respect.
Seek to lead, not to dominate.
One sign of a natural leader is their commitment to cultivating a culture of mutual respect and cooperation. They reject rigid dominance hierarchies that place some individuals above others based on power, status, or wealth.
Instead, they believe in the fundamental dignity and worth of every individual. They treat everyone with respect, regardless of their role or position. They value diversity and understand that every team member has unique strengths and perspectives to contribute.
They also foster a cooperative environment where everyone works together towards shared goals. They encourage open communication, collaboration, and collective problem-solving.
This isn’t always easy. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to put ego aside for the good of the team. But it’s worth it. Because when everyone feels respected and valued, they are more likely to contribute their best work.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” As leaders, we need both – the intellect to make smart decisions, and the heart to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
5) Aligns actions with core values
Natural leaders understand that their actions carry weight.
They know that their behavior sets the standard for the team and shapes the culture. Therefore, they are committed to aligning their actions with their core values.
They don’t just talk about values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility – they live them. They show up consistently, keep their promises, and take responsibility for their actions. They treat everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their role or status.
This commitment to living in alignment with their values inspires trust and confidence in the team. It creates a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. It fosters an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work.
I know that it’s not always easy. It requires self-awareness and courage. It means making tough decisions and standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient.
In my video, I delve into the importance of aligning our actions with our core values and using them as a guide in decision-making.
By living in alignment with our values, we become not just leaders, but role models. We inspire others to do the same – to live authentically, act responsibly, and contribute positively to the team and the world around us.
6) Encourages dissent and diverse viewpoints
Many might assume that agreement and consensus are always the goal in a team setting. However, a natural leader recognizes the value of dissent and diverse viewpoints.
While it can be challenging to manage differing opinions, these are often the catalysts for innovation and growth. Encouraging team members to voice their thoughts, even if they diverge from the majority, fosters a culture of open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Leaders who embrace this approach understand that they don’t have all the answers. They value the unique perspectives and experiences each team member brings to the table. They’re not threatened by disagreement but see it as an opportunity for learning and growth.
This doesn’t mean fostering an environment of constant conflict.
Rather cultivating a space where everyone feels safe to express their views – even if they’re unpopular. It’s about respecting and valuing diversity of thought and creating a culture where every voice matters.
7) Invests in the growth of others
A natural leader is not just focused on their own progress and achievements. They understand that true leadership involves investing time and resources in the growth and development of others.
They take a genuine interest in their team members’ goals, aspirations, and potential. They offer guidance and mentorship, providing constructive feedback to help them improve. They also provide opportunities for learning and development, whether through training programs, challenging assignments, or exposure to new experiences.
Furthermore, they celebrate the achievements and progress of their team members. They acknowledge their efforts and contributions, making them feel valued and appreciated. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.
By investing in the growth of others, natural leaders inspire loyalty, commitment, and high performance among their team members. They help them to realize their potential and contribute their best work, creating a win-win situation for all involved.
I think natural leaders understand that leadership is not about exerting power over others but about empowering others to realize their full potential.
Have you ever heard that African proverb? “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Natural leaders choose to go far.
Leadership: Discovery and empowerment
For those among us who are blessed enough to be endowed with natural leadership skills, we can count ourselves lucky for the journey life will take us on.
It’s also important for us to recognize the impact and influence we have on other people’s lives. Instead of micro-managing and trying to dominate everyone under us, we should strive to bring out the best in them.
They’ll thank us for it, and we’ll thank ourselves for it, too.
If you found this discussion insightful and wish to explore more on living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Together, we can navigate the complexities of leadership and personal growth.
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