Successful managers, team leaders, and supervisors usually have certain characteristics and qualities that distinguish them as exceptional leaders. Emotional and attitudinal are personality traits that can be learned but which are mostly inherent. Cognitive talents and learned skills can be developed and honed over time.
Finding a leader with all of these traits in place is rare. Usually, a leader is selected based on the potential for these traits along with their trainability. A great leader is rarely born; they are made and using an executive search firm can help you find them.
1. Enthusiasm
Performing an executive search and finding a leader is critical. Leaders should be enthusiastic about their employment and about achieving the team’s objectives. They should lead by example since both enthusiasm and indifference are contagious. A manager who lacks excitement in his or her leadership encourages apathy and ineptitude in those under their command.
2. Confidence
Confidence leads employees to believe in a leader’s decisions. Supervisors and managers who appear doubtful of their own abilities encourage their subordinates to question and refuse orders and directives. Leaders who talk with conviction, whether genuine or feigned, persuade everyone around them that they are in charge.
3. Courage
Some choices are difficult to make, and commercial constraints can be overwhelming for a leader. Leaders and followers alike gain confidence through courageously working through problems. Fear of failure is the most terrifying fear a leader can have. A good leader is willing to take risks even if the outcome is uncertain.
4. Empathy
Good leadership requires the ability to put oneself in another’s place and view things from their point of view. Great leaders have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and what everyone on their team needs to do in order to achieve it. Discord and misunderstandings can be avoided by recognizing how group members see their role in the plan. If someone regards their efforts as insignificant or underappreciated, their will to succeed will wane.
5. Verbal Communication
A leader paves the road for successful growth while making others feel valued by organizing one’s views and explaining them properly to everyone involved. Team members who know what is required of them and why are more eager to join their leader and work hard to achieve their objectives. Giving confusing, incomplete, or contradicting instructions, or failing to speak with all parties involved, on the other hand, can stymie workflow and undermine team morale.
6. Written Communication
It is not always possible to speak personally to everyone. Today’s communication generally comprises texts and emails. Many formerly smooth-running organizations have been wrecked by poorly written emails. When communicating in writing, good leaders exercise caution. If a new piece of information needs to be shared by email, leaders who can communicate themselves clearly in writing avoid misunderstandings and mistakes. Leaders who aren’t terrific writers but interact well verbally can solicit the help of superior writers on staff. This takes us to the subject of the delegation.
7. Thinking Analytically
It’s easy to miss this leadership ability. Leaders must be able to use the information they have at their disposal to make the best judgments possible. Delegating, for example, necessitates critical thinking. A manager must assess a team member’s abilities and match them to tasks that must be completed. Analytical thought might assist you in figuring out why a process or procedure isn’t working. Better plans, new ideas, and more accurate projections result from analytical thinking.
8. Delegation Abilities
When it comes to delegation, a wise leader employs sound judgment. When you have a lot on your plate, taking the time and effort to find the best candidate for the job can seem counterproductive. It may appear like getting something done is more efficient and faster, but managing doesn’t mean performing all of the work; it involves splitting the job and tracking it to ensure that it is completed.
