Timeless traits of great leadership
Key illuminated insight
Great leadership is about getting it right; it’s not about being right all the time
Key traits of great leaders include curiosity, vision, empathy, resilience, integrity, decisiveness, humility and empowerment
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For those of you who know me, I’m not overly religious. I’m more spiritual in nature. But I went to church yesterday, for the first time since Christmas. When I was a kid, I used to tune out the minister and complain to my mom incessantly about boredom. Now, as I mature and continue to learn and grow, I’ve also learned to be open, listen, and understand differing opinions, regardless of the source.
And with that in mind, I leaned into the sermon yesterday at Wellington Square United Church to listen and learn about great leadership, inspiring me to write my latest blog. This is not about Jesus’ path to crucifixion (though it was yesterday 😉). My takeaway is about his timeless traits as a great leader who inspired others, transcending history, culture, and religion.
It’s about getting it right; it’s not about being right
How did Jesus lead his disciples? Great leadership is not about being right all the time; it's about getting it right. Embodying key leadership skills can transform not only the leader but also your own disciples (your organization) when you shift your mindset to “getting it right”. “Getting it right” will inspire teams to achieve greatness and create a lasting impact.
How do you go about getting it right? Continuous learning, continuous listening, and everlasting curiosity.
Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat
I continuously strive to hone my leadership skills. To continually listen (intently) and more importantly, be curious. Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat. They have 9 lives! 9 lives to test and learn. To drive innovation, explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and find creative solutions to solve problems.
Great leaders possess vision, empathy, and resilience. Be inspired and develop your leadership skills by practicing these traits.
Vision: Great leaders have a clear and inspiring vision for the future, giving people something to rally around. This vision acts as a guiding star, helping teams navigate through challenges and stay focused on their goals.
Empathy: The ability to understand and connect with people on a personal level fosters trust and loyalty. Empathy allows leaders to build strong relationships and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
Resilience: Navigating challenges with determination, learning from failures, and adapting to changes are crucial traits of resilient leaders. They inspire their teams to persevere and find solutions even in the face of adversity.
Integrity: A strong moral compass and a commitment to ethical behavior earn respect and credibility. Leaders with integrity are trusted by their teams and stakeholders, as they consistently act in alignment with their values.
Decisiveness: Confidence in making tough decisions and the courage to take calculated risks are key traits of decisive leaders. They weigh their options carefully and act, even when the path forward is uncertain.
Humility: Great leaders recognize their own limitations, value the contributions of others, and share credit generously. Humility fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Empowerment: Uplifting others, fostering collaboration, and helping people realize their potential are hallmarks of empowering leaders. They create a setting where individuals can thrive and achieve their best.
Transform your leadership skills for your organization. Embrace curiosity, listen with intent, and empower your teams to achieve greatness and create a lasting impact.
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