What differentiates a leader from a boss? What makes one person's leadership more effective and impactful than another is? It's a well-known fact that a company's success or failure often hinges on the quality of its leadership. According to the Global Leadership Forecast, top-performing leaders have at least a 50% greater impact on their organizations than typical leaders do.
This affirms the pivotal role that effective leadership plays in shaping the trajectory of a business. So, what are the elements that make a leader effective and sets them apart from the rest?
If you are a budding leader, a seasoned executive wishing to refine your leadership style, or simply curious about the secrets of effective leadership, this is an article you wouldn’t want to miss.
So, get ready as we unlock the secrets of effective leadership, and uncover the strategies, behaviors and attitudes that can propel a leader from being just good, to truly great.
Communicate With Impact
Communication is fundamental to all facets of business, and leadership is no exception. In fact, effective communication is one of the primary cornerstones of successful leadership. It is a skill that must be honed and refined continually to have a significant impact on their teams and the success of their organizations.
Creating an atmosphere of open communication is vital for leaders to foster in their teams. This can only be achieved if the leader sets the tone and leads by example. By actively encouraging and welcoming feedback, leaders can break down barriers, stimulate innovation, and increase their team's overall commitment and satisfaction.
The essence of impactful communication, however, stretches beyond the mere transmission of information. It's not just about speaking convincingly or persuasively. More importantly, it involves the ability to actively listen to your employees, taking on board their insights, concerns, and suggestions. This reciprocal exchange not only enhances the quality of decision-making but also engenders a sense of inclusivity and engagement among team members. As the famous quote by Stephen R. Covey goes, "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Leaders who break this norm stand out as effective communicators.
Create Psychological Safety
Creating a sense of psychological safety within a team is a truly significant leadership trait that sets effective leaders apart from the rest. Psychological safety is a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. In simple terms, it refers to a work environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves, expressing their thoughts, and are not afraid of negative consequences of making mistakes. In fact, according to a study by Google's Project Aristotle, psychological safety was found to be the most important factor in successful teams, even more than dependability, structure, or clarity of roles.
So, why is this important? The answer lies in the essence of human behavior and performance. When people feel safe, they are more likely to explore, invent, and take risks — all vital behaviors for businesses that want to stay at the forefront of innovation. On the flip side, when people do not feel safe, they instinctively resort to 'survival mode', which ultimately limits their ability to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and contribute to their full potential.
Effective leaders therefore strive to create an environment where their team members feel safe to take risks, voice their opinions, and make mistakes. They do so by fostering open communication, acknowledging their own fallibility, and showing empathy. They understand that mistakes and failures aren't necessarily bad, but rather opportunities for learning and improvement so they reassure their team that it's okay to make mistakes and that no one will be punished or ridiculed for doing so. Because these leaders understand that an organization’s most valuable is its people, and their full potential can only be achieved in an environment that is psychologically safe.
They Use the Word We, Not I
One trait that distinguishes exceptional leaders from mediocre ones is their choice of diction when addressing their team. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that effective leaders tend to use the word 'we' more frequently than 'I'. This might seem like a minor nuance, but it holds a profound implication in terms of leadership and team dynamics.
Effective leaders are aware of this, and they intentionally use inclusive language to reinforce the idea that every team member's contribution is critical to the overall success of the organization. By using 'we', leaders underscore their recognition for the collective effort, fostering a sense of unity and shared ownership among the team. This practice is both psychologically affirming for team members and motivates them to fully invest in their roles. It also helps to dissolve any potential barriers between leadership and staff, as it dispels any notion of a 'me versus them' culture. Everyone is viewed as a crucial piece of the puzzle, working together towards a common goal.
Moreover, the use of 'we' also signifies the leader's willingness to associate themselves with both the successes and failures of the team. This shared accountability model is important in creating an atmosphere of trust and openness. When leaders are willing to stand with their team, it sends a strong message that they are not just interested in individual glory but are invested in the collective achievement of the team.
They Focus on Big Picture, But Also Remember the Small Details
Effective leadership is akin to being a skillful painter. Leaders, like painters, are required to have a clear vision of the big picture they wish to create, while simultaneously paying due attention to the minute of detail that contributes to the overall masterpiece. This balance between macro and micro perspectives, while seemingly paradoxical, is a hallmark of effective leadership.
In the realm of business, the 'big picture' refers to the broader strategic objectives and long-term goals of an organization. It includes aspects like corporate vision, market trends, competitive landscape, and growth strategies. Leaders who focus on the big picture are able to steer their team towards these overarching objectives, keeping them motivated and aligned. They are capable of making strategic decisions that influence the trajectory of their organization.
However, an exclusive focus on the big picture can sometimes come at the expense of missing out on smaller yet equally significant details. These may include day-to-day operational issues, individual performances, or subtle market shifts. In some cases, these finer details, if overlooked, can have a detrimental impact on the big picture.
That is why it is important too to focus on the small details that enable leaders to show their teams that they value their individual contributions. It can foster a culture of accountability, where every team member feels responsible for their role in achieving the larger objectives.
It also provides the leader with an opportunity to offer guidance and support where needed, thereby facilitating personal and professional growth among team members.
They Encourage Personal and Professional Growth
Effective leaders comprehend that the key to any organization's success lies in the growth and development of its people. They invest time and resources in nurturing the personal and professional growth of their team members. Rather than viewing individuals as mere tools to achieve organizational objectives, effective leaders understand that employees are the most valuable asset of any organization and their growth will eventually lead to the growth of the organization itself.
By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and appreciated for their unique abilities and perspectives, leaders can help their team members realize their full potential. This could involve providing opportunities for employees to pursue their passions or learn new skills outside of their regular job duties.
In doing so, they not only enhance the capability of their team but also prepare them for future challenges and opportunities. In such an environment, employees feel a stronger sense of engagement and satisfaction, which can significantly improve their performance and productivity.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is no longer about barking orders from the top; it's about walking beside your team through challenges, showing them the way with a lantern of inspiration rather than a whip of authority. It's the art of understanding that the most powerful asset a leader possesses is not their title, but their ability to uplift and empower those around them.
In the end, what sets leaders apart isn't a checklist of traits but the depth of their commitment to growth and positive change. It's the imprint they leave on their hearts and the legacy they build through their actions.