What qualities should you possess to be an effective leader? Good leaders have intuitive vision, are wise and charismatic, have integrity and confidence, project executive presence and command respect.
Although all of these qualities are vital to being a good leader, there are some qualities you might overlook that can make an incredible difference in how you are perceived and can help you grow both personally and professionally.
As an executive coach, here are five personality development techniques I share with top executives that you can use to become a better leader:
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Respect their time.
No matter where you are on the corporate ladder, everyone’s time is important and showing that you respect their time speaks volumes about you. Being late or not showing up for appointments makes you seem careless and disorganized. Set up reminders to prompt you in advance for a meeting you’re supposed to attend so that you’ll be able to get there on time. This simple but important personality development technique will help you command respect as a leader.
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Take a break, often.
It’s important to leave some white space in your daily schedule every day to recharge. Constant work does not necessarily lead to higher productivity. The best ideas come when you’re relaxed. Slow down, let your mind drift, and give yourself time for contemplation and reflection. This technique will help you get back to work with increased energy and creativity.
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Keep your ears open.
Smart leaders recognize that they need to stop talking and start listening. Don’t clamor to prove your point and demonstrate that you’re smarter than everyone else. Instead, be open to what you can learn from others. Don’t just provide feedback, but ask for feedback from your team and genuinely listen to what they have to say. You’ll be surprised at just how effective a leader you can be if you are open to listening to a perspective other than your own.
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Volunteer and offer your time.
Get involved in community and charitable programs. Be part of a food drive at your local church or mentor kids at a youth development workshop. Giving back to society fills your need for being socially involved, provides satisfaction, and also gives you increased opportunities to build your network.
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Work smart, not hard.
Effective leaders understand that it’s not the number of hours you put in that count; it’s the results that you get. Most people work hard, but how much are they able to achieve and do the outcomes make a difference? Learn how to avoid time traps and focus on how much you get done, not the effort you put in. Make the most efficient use of your time by delegating tasks so you can focus on the things that really matter.
