Hello there,
Today I want to talk about the qualities that make a great leader but are often overlooked. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with some incredible leaders who possess certain qualities that have had a lasting impact on me. These are the qualities that I want to highlight today.
Firstly, a sense of humour is key! As a leader, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be serious all the time. A good laugh can help build relationships and boost morale within the team. However, it’s important to keep jokes appropriate for the work environment.
Next up is patience. Leading a team can be challenging at times, but having patience and understanding can help you make better decisions and navigate difficult situations. Remember, good things take time, sometimes years!
Empathy is also an underrated quality of a great leader. Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps to build trust and create a positive work environment. Put yourself in your team’s shoes and take the time to listen and understand their perspectives.
Curiosity is also essential for growth. Great leaders are always eager to learn and improve. They ask questions, challenge assumptions and enjoy trying out new ideas. You never know what might lead to a breakthrough.
Humility is often overlooked but is critical. Being humble and recognising that you don’t have all the answers allows you to learn from others and build trust with your team.
Resilience is essential for anyone in a leadership role. You will face setbacks and failures, but it’s how you bounce back that matters. Remember, failure is part of the journey, it’s never the end result.
Lastly, listening is just as important as speaking. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to have all the answers, but listening to your team’s suggestions, needs and concerns will help you make better decisions and build a stronger team.
In conclusion, being a great leader requires more than just the typical qualities we often hear about. By being ourselves and serving our team so that they feel heard and seen, we can become superb leaders who leave a lasting impact. I wish you all the best in your leadership journey.
Gemma
