Draw Them In, Pull Them Forward: Qualities of a great business leader

Being a great business leader is more than just holding a title or giving orders. It requires a unique blend of qualities that inspire, motivate, and guide a team towards shared goals. Here are some key attributes that distinguish an exceptional business leader from someone who is just trying to manage people.

1. Start With Personal Reflection

Humility and Confidence

A great business leader has both self-awareness and self-confidence. With awareness, leaders recognize their limitations, are open to ideas other than their own, and remain approachable. Confidence, on the other hand, instills trust and assurance among team members and endows leaders with a gravitational pull toward mission goals.

Driven but Open to Change

Effective leaders are directed by a clear vision and use that to motivate their teams to achieve them. Yet, they remain flexible and open to change understanding that adaptability is crucial in a constantly evolving business landscape.

2. Empower Your Team

Serve the Team

A great leader focuses on serving their team rather than expecting the team to serve them. This servant leadership approach fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment that generates team buy-in.

Take the Blame, Give the Credit

True leadership involves taking responsibility for failures and giving credit to the team for successes. This builds trust and loyalty among team members. Had to put out a big work fire? Don't point fingers at the team but acknowledge that it happened on your watch - then look to learn and not repeat it again. Get a big company win? Don't strut around with your nose in the air, give shoutouts and rewards to your team for a job well done.

Over-Communicate Expectations

Clear communication is essential for effective leadership. Over-communicate expectations to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and regularly check in to reinforce expectations and provide (and receive) feedback.

3. Lead by Example

Integrity and Trust

Leading by example means demonstrating the values and behaviors you expect from your team - honesty, transparency, and a strong work ethic. Build and maintain trust by being reliable and consistent.

Belief in Your Mission

A great leader believes deeply in the organization's mission and inspires others to take up the cause. You should regularly be telling your team the why of what you're doing and the how your going to achieve the organization's goals.

Balance Hard Work with Fun and Rewards

While hard work is essential, it is equally important to maintain a balance by incorporating fun and rewards for a job well done and fostering a sense of community. Create a positive work environment by celebrating achievements with rewards and recognition, and instill a sense of camaraderie through team building activities and taking time outside of work to connect and interact as a unit.

Conclusion

Great business leadership is a combination of introspection, empowerment, and leading by example. By demonstrating these values in the workplace, you can inspire your team to achieve great things. Lastly, remember that work/life balance is not something you find, but something you create.