As the well known line from The Soca Boys song goes "Follow the leader, leader, leader, follow the leader". So what does it take to be a successful leader that people want to follow? What traits does a leader have that others don't?
There are many important traits that characterise a leader. We know they are more than a manager - they don't just do, they build and inspire. They communicate with clarity. They have vision. They have integrity. They often have charisma and presence. People trust them.
In my experience though, great leaders often share these three key traits.
Successful leaders lead with passion and purpose
Great leaders care about something bigger than just them, their status and the financials. They care that what they do solves a real problem, that their plans and dreams are now making someone else's world a better place. Passion is their fuel, it's why they think, and learn and get up from their failures to keep on going. Purpose comes from being deeply connected to this passion, the inner "why". Those inner values, beliefs and guiding principles that are laying your path in life. Don't get me wrong, it's not all altruistic, business is business, and leaders need to be in the habit of getting results. A bankrupt business is of no use to anyone. But the best leaders combine mission and metrics to become a truly powerful force.
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful, that’s what matters to me.” - Steve Jobs
They possess emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (sometimes referred to as EQ or EI) is the ability to comprehend, control, and develop your own feelings, while also being able to understand and manage others’ feelings. EQ in my opinion is as important as IQ when it comes to leadership. Why? Because at the heart of leadership is people, and you cannot motivate and lead smart & talented people without emotional intelligence. They won't accept it. It's not enough to be smart, you need to be smart with people.
Sir John Whitmore in "Coaching for Performance" talks about how a person high in emotional intelligence will have made you feel.
The person...
Listened to me
Believed in me
Challenged me
Trusted and respected me
Gave me time and full attention
Treated me as an equal
You felt:
Special
Valued
Confident
Safe, cared for
Supported
Fun, enthusiasm
Self-belief
Research studies have proven that emotional Intelligence is a distinguishing factor in leadership performance. In many old school work environments, emotional intelligence is shied away from, either seen as been unnecessary ("you work for us") or because of the outdated notion that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Those companies miss out, as it has been shown that leaders with high emotional intelligence will create more connected, motivated and higher performing teams. Jacinta Arden, the New Zealand Prime Minster is a shining example of an extraordinarily effective leader who possesses strong emotional intelligence.
They aspire and inspire
True leaders aspire to be better. Better at their job, but also to be a better person. Self awareness is a key tenet of emotional intelligence, and this spills over here in that real leaders have aspirations to continue to improve their mindset and skillsets. When things go wrong they look at their role in it, and what they need to improve. And because of this they aspire others to follow their example.
They inspire. They have a compelling vision that they communicate. They listen more than they talk. They catch their people doing things well. They care just as much about the people, as they do about the people's performance. For this, people look up to them. Listen to them. People are better humans and professionals because of them. True leaders help you to do things you never thought possible. They help you lay your track to betterment.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
Leaders will have people who follow them, not simply people who work for them.
To become a leader, find a passion and purpose that is bigger than just your job title. Invest in increasing your emotional intelligence. And aspire to be someone who inspires those around them. I would love to hear more about what a good leader looks like for you?
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