A leadership role comes with a huge responsibility, you are not only responsible for the success of the company but also for building phenomenal teams. Leaders have a positive mindset and an open and collaborative approach to managing people.
In the words of John Maxwell – A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
Do you have it in you to be a leader? Are you ready to take on a leadership role? Here’re the qualities of effective leaders, see how many of these you check off?
1. Good at Giving Constructive Feedback
You have become adept at evaluating your teammates objectively and offering constructive feedback to help them grow in their respective roles and chosen career paths. You are good at helping and advising your teammates.
2. Know When to Say No
You are ready to take on a leadership role when you have learned to say no when something does not seem right to you. You refuse to take requests that disrupt the productivity of your team or do not add value. You look at the big picture and prioritize the wellness of your team as you know an overworked team will not be productive or motivated.
3. No Longer Feel Stressed Out at the Last Minute Deliverables
You no longer get stressed when asked to deliver work or make changes at the last minute. You have become flexible, and have learned to adapt to inevitable and unexpected last-minute requests.
4. Confident at Giving Presentations & Interacting with Clients
Giving a presentation is no more a daunting experience for you. Gone are the days of sweaty palms. Now you have become quite a pro at giving presentations and interacting with clients.
5. Decisive and Calm Under Pressure
You have learned to handle high-pressure situations while staying calm & in control. You know how to maneuver your team through stressful situations while ensuring high performance. You are a quick decision-maker, who does not let pressure impact the performance and morale of your team. You are competent to meet the organization’s goals regardless of the circumstances. This is one of the most essential traits of a leader, especially if you are taking on a leadership role for the first time.
6. Have Motivational Skills
Taking on a leadership role for the first time, you should know how to motivate your team for a last-minute deadline. You are an effective leader who knows how to encourage and keep your team motivated to meet personal and organizational goals.
7. Believe in Accountability
You take accountability for people who work under your supervision and ensure that they work and grow together as a team. You take responsibility for their mistakes just the way you are appreciated for their achievements under your guidance & leadership.
8. Liked by Peers & Bosses
You are ready to take on a leadership role when you are liked and respected by your peers, and your boss believes in you and supports your work.
9. Seek Out Unattractive Assignments
How do you stand out? By saying yes to the unattractive assignments that others try to avoid. You try out new things that prepare you for taking up greater responsibilities in the future.
10. Have Problem Solving Skills
You are a solution-driven critical thinker who possesses exceptional problem-solving skills. You can anticipate issues and find ways to address and resolve those issues. You know how to manage conflict and difficult situations. When adversity strikes, you spring into action. You always seem to have a solution up your sleeve. And if things don’t go as planned, you see it as a lesson learned, so you’re ready for the next time.
11. Good at People Management
Consider yourself ready to take on a new leadership role when you have become good in people management skills. You know how to deal with different people and personalities. You manage your team quite well while helping them to grow, realize their full potential, and achieve professional excellence. You know how to bring out the best in people.
12. Integrity & Trustworthiness
You possess a high level of integrity – you are ethical, responsible, consistent, and trustworthy. You hold yourself accountable for your team’s performance, and as a true leader consistently help your team in achieving professional excellence. If you know people can count on you, you are ready to take on a leadership position.
13. Excellent Communication Skills
You possess excellent communication skills. You can succinctly communicate instructions, give feedback to stakeholders, manage conflicts and stand up for your team. Whether doing presentations in front of clients or stakeholders or sending out follow-up emails, you are always on top of the game. You have good oral and written communication skills, and you are an effective listener.
14. Believe in Continuous Improvement
You believe in lifelong learning and continuous improvement. You keep learning new things and picking up new skills for self-improvement. And you implement what you learn.
15. Have Professional Standards
You hold yourself to a high standard. You mind your words while interacting with others and avoid gossip or any other kind of negative behavior. Having high professional standards is essential for a leadership role.
How do you stand out? By saying yes to the unattractive assignments that others try to avoid. You try out new things that prepare you for taking up greater responsibilities in the future.
16. Good at Networking
Networking is vital for career development. Building relationship with people helps in the long run. You never know how someone can help you in discovering new opportunities. Taking on a new leadership role requires good networking skills, and you know you have become a pro at networking. You’re a relationship builder who also knows people in other departments. You know how to foster connections and how to encourage successful teamwork.
17. Seek Out Unattractive Assignments
Networking is vital for career development. Building relationship with people helps in the long run. You never know how someone can help you in discovering new opportunities. Taking on a new leadership role requires good networking skills, and you know you have become a pro at networking. You’re a relationship builder who also knows people in other departments. You know how to foster connections and how to encourage successful teamwork.
18. Can See the Bigger Picture
You are ready to take on a new leadership role when you can see the larger picture, are interested in how the organization operates, and have ideas on how it could be better, stronger, and more successful. Instead of seeing the tip of the iceberg, you try to look below the surface to see the real issues.
