“A leader’s job is not to do the work for others, it’s to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible.”  – Simon Sinek

For most, leadership is not an innate ability. To become a great leader, you must dedicate ample time and energy to learning and practicing the skills. In the same way University students invest in their chosen career path, leaders invest in the traits and skill sets that will make them great.

Belief

Whatever the venture, all great leaders believe in their product, service or mission with 110% certainty. Unshakeable belief is the foundation great leaders build on. Without belief, you lack the ability to influence and inspire others. Beliefs may or may not be true, or even rational, but belief is at the heart of making your leadership work.

Integrity

An ethical lapse in judgement can make or break an organization. As a leader, it is your job to set the bar high and show your team what is expected of them. Leaders with integrity are reliable, honest, ethical and trustworthy. They stay true to their word and emphasize a high standard that influences the office environment. 

Communication

In your head an idea may be crisp, clear and brilliant, but if you’re unable to communicate effectively your idea will got lost in translation. Great leaders have excellent communication skills. They are able to clearly describe their vision in a way that connects with others. In a team environment, this leads to everyone working towards a common goal in a productive manner. Have an open door policy, make a point of connecting with your team on a day-to-day basis and encourage open communication when it comes to conflict resolution.

Confidence

In a business environment, there will always be up and downs. Still, great leaders know how to navigate through the lows, while keeping the team morale high. If you feel uncertain and worried, your team will follow suit. By staying positive and recognizing the natural ebbs and flows of business, everyone can move forward toward the larger goal.

Commitment

Teams take cues from their leaders. The more committed a leader, the more committed the team. If you expect a hard working, quality producing team, you must lead by example. Great leaders perform to such great heights that they inspire others to do the same. By showing your commitment, you will earn the respect of your team and they will be more likely to deliver.

Author: Lauren McMurray, StratIQ Consulting
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