In our Take Another Step System, we discuss leadership traits that inspire others. There are many ways to lead, and there are common characteristics that most effective leaders exhibit. Some are naturally better than others in certain areas, but the great thing about these traits is that we can learn and improve upon them. How much passion do you have to learn and improve so that you can inspire others around you to Take Another Step?
Strong, effective leaders have the ability to guide a group of people toward a common goal. It is not a specific skill that makes a good leader, but rather a set of them.
A colleague of mine wrote down over 100 traits that a leader needs to inspire others and get results.
Then we worked together to narrow them down to 50. We culled some more that got us to 20. Then the arguments began! After much back-and-forth, we settled on 10. I feel very confident that a focus on the 10 traits identified below will help leaders of all kinds inspire those around them to Take Another Step. After you consider these, I’d love to hear some of the traits that you feel are important to inspire others.
To be an effective leader, you must have the following traits:
1. Character
2. Temperament and Discernment
3. Servanthood
4. Communication
5. Vision6. Commitment
7. Problem-solving
8. Competence
9. Stewardship
10. Life-long learner
This week will discuss the traits 1-3, then next week 4-6, and then finish the following week with 6-10:
1. Character
What would those around you say about your character? Character is the foundation of leadership. Character inspires trust, and trust is the bond that ties us together. For leaders to show character, they must be consistent, transparent, and their words must match their deeds. Character is the trait that will give you longevity. Once those around you know, see, and feel your character, then they will trust you, and then, and only then, will they take another step.
2. Temperament and Discernment
These two work together. The right temperament gives us the ability to remain calm in an ambiguous situation, which will allow us to discern reality--because that is the first responsibility of a leader. The truth will set us free. Discernment goes beyond understanding what someone is saying. It is more about understanding what they mean, based upon that person’s personality, education, and experiences. Practice reflective listening, repeating back to someone your interpretation of what they have told you. Once we have the right temperament, and we can discern reality, then everyone around us will remain calm and take another step.
3. Servanthood
Are people your top priority? Servant leaders truly believe in people, and they understand that each person has talents and gifts that can help the team prosper. How do you know if you are a servant leader? Here are some things that servant leaders do: encourage, see the best in people, recognize that everyone can learn and grow. Servant leaders ask their people what they need from them in order for them to be the best version of themselves. Once our people perceive our sincere willingness to serve and support them, then everyone will be empowered to take another step.
These traits are foundational, and they will enable leaders to meet the test of time, circumstances, environment, cultures, or any other challenges, seen or unforseen.
Next week’s traits: 3. Communication 4. Vision 5. Commitment
Let's Grow!
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