Leadership capabilities can be learned and developed but, some people are naturals. Or, to be more precise, they possess innate strengths that make them more likely to become great leaders.
What sets (naturally) great leaders apart from the rest?
Either you meet a leader in person and get a chance to shake their hand or you hear them introduce themselves at a town-hall meeting for the first time, the following traits are excellent indicators of #leadership potential:
💪Confidence, not arrogance: Confidence shows strength, while humility fosters #trust and #collaboration, a key to maintaining a productive and motivated team. Leaders who demonstrate humility, admitting their mistakes and are not afraid to show vulnerability, are trusted 7.5 times more by their teams. Their body language is open and assertive, but they also make room for others in conversation.
🗣Stellar communicators: Leaders who communicate clearly, stand out. Whether giving a presentation or engaging in casual conversation, they articulate ideas with clarity, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully. It's no wonder that 75% of employees consider effective #communication the most important leadership quality. Great leaders understand 2 things when it comes to communication - "time is money" and "we have 2 ears and 1 mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak".
🙌 It's about you, not them: Genuine curiosity and approachability helps leaders create an atmosphere of openness where others feel comfortable expressing ideas or concerns. A great leader knows that they are only as strong as their team and they build a sense of belonging and trust, critical components of an effective #team environment.
Is this all you need to be a great leader? 🤔
While these can be great indicators of leadership potential, it's important to recognize that these qualities, even if innate for some, require continuous practice and dedication to fully develop. Leadership is an ongoing journey of #learning and self-improvement.
These qualities may give you a head start, but even the best leaders aren't immune to missteps. Spotting a leader may be easy but what truly sets great leaders apart is their ability to learn from their mistakes, grow, and continue to inspire their teams.
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