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People wonder what traits of a good leader contribute to successful leadership in business. There is no formula for good leadership, but self-awareness can enhance effectiveness. The rules of the game are not static and effective leadership requires adaptability. The debate on effective leadership qualities is important for leaders to understand. New research and leadership development bring up new paradigms that successful leaders need to embrace, moving beyond traditional leadership. Â
The success of any leader depends on the characteristics of the leader and the successful leadership skills and drivers they possess, as well as the type of leader they choose to be. of the followers, the task in hand, the available resources, the business ecosystem, and a host of emotional intelligence factors. The leaders do not work in any silos. The context plays a vital role in determining the leadership style and the qualities of a good leader, especially in the face of organizational change. Â
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ToggleTips for successful leadership in business
Many models and theories of business leadership have been developed and proposed in business schools. From the old days of ‘The Great Man approach to leadership suggests that leaders at every level can benefit from a list of leadership qualities. theory and ‘The Traits Effective leadership communication is crucial for success. theory of important leadership qualities to the Transactional and Transformational theories; many theories on key leadership skills have been developed and researched. Â
The very recent study has been the ‘Centered Leadership’ concept that talks about creating a collective resolve and developing an alignment of a shared vision for creating a successful business organization.Â
 Some leaders are ‘Eventful Men’ who have leadership thrust upon them by the situation and business contexts; and some leaders are ‘Event-Making Men’ who leave their marks by their decision-making abilities, risk-taking appetites, clarity of vision, and sheer strength of character, which are all key successful leadership qualities. Â
Academics and business professionals have all tried to create leadership models to better understand what makes certain business leaders tick, focusing on effective leadership communication and resilient leadership. It is an endless debate on the specific traits of great leaders and whether leaders are born, or managers can be groomed and developed as great leaders with the right leadership qualities. One thing certain is that there is no all-weather science of leadership; instead, successful leadership means adapting to different contexts and challenges. It is a combination of science and art that effective leaders must master. Â
Certain leadership styles can enhance leadership in organisations and help you become an effective leader. ‘Emergent Traits include self-awareness and other essential qualities of a good leader that every leader should possess.’ these are hereditary, which help individuals become good leaders. However, there are a large number of characteristics that are known as different leadership styles that can influence success. Effectiveness Traits are often linked to the core leadership skills that define successful leaders and the traits of a good leader.’ These skills could be acquired over a period of time with practice, training, and coaching to develop leadership competency and take the next step toward success. Â
Examples abound with cases where business leaders are hugely successful with one or a few ventures, but the same individuals fail miserably at other firms. There is much more to successful leadership than what is obvious and visible to every leader, including the need to possess these 12 core leadership traits. Â
Positive engagement
Business leaders must ‘Positively Engage’ with themselves, team members, and other stakeholders to foster employee engagement. There must be sharing of a common vision and agreement on the road map for effective and efficient business performances, as effective leaders must facilitate this process. Leaders must ensure that personal and organizational goals are well aligned to foster a cohesive approach to successful leadership. Â
The importance of spatial thinking in the workplace and why it is crucial for strategic leadership
Moreover, this must also happen with business partners, investors, and external stakeholders, in general, to ensure effective leadership. Leaders must communicate with clarity and transparency with the stakeholders, as compassionate leadership requires leaders to foster strong relationships. The stakeholders must know the essential qualities that contribute to successful leadership, including the need for compassionate leadership. ‘What is in it?’ for them. Â
- Engage with Self to cultivate essential leadership skills and self-awareness, which are important for leaders
- Engage with Team Members
- Engage with other stakeholders to foster strong relationships and facilitate organizational change.Â
Alignment of objectives
A collective resolve and alignment of a common vision are important ingredients for any successful team, especially in developing your leadership. The leader must engage with the self and invest time and energy in learning and upgrading key leadership skills for successful leadership development, ready to take the next step in their journey. It is suggested that leaders at every level need to invest, at least, 10% of their time in self-development and leadership training courses. Â
It is critical as businesses are conducted in a given environment with competitors and many other stakeholders having diverse objectives and viewpoints that successful leaders must navigate. Leaders must also embody the qualities of successful leadership. Effective leaders communicate with other stakeholders in a way where their objects and interests seem to converge. Â
A great and successful business leader must develop positive emotions around the shared vision and must deal with the stakeholders with empathy. The journey of any business leader is full of challenges and hence a high dose of commitment and drive is necessary for sustained success.
Author – Syed Shahid Imam (Senior Faculty) at the Center for Creative Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualities of an effective leader?
The essential qualities of an effective leader include effective communication, the ability to motivate others, adaptability, integrity, empathy, decisiveness, and a vision for the future. These traits help leaders guide their teams and organizations toward success.
How can I enhance my leadership skills?
You can enhance your leadership skills by seeking feedback, participating in leadership development programs, reading books on leadership, and observing effective leaders around you. Engaging in self-reflection and identifying areas for improvement is also crucial.
What role does effective communication play in good leadership?
Effective communication is vital in good leadership as it helps leaders convey their vision, expectations, and feedback clearly. It also fosters open dialogue with team members, leading to improved employee engagement and collaboration.
How can I identify a good leader in my organization?
To identify a good leader, look for individuals who demonstrate strong leadership skills, such as the ability to motivate their team, communicate effectively, and inspire trust. These leaders also typically show a commitment to employee development and have a clear vision for achieving organizational goals.
What are some ways to succeed as a leader?
To succeed as a leader, focus on developing your leadership skills, building strong relationships within your team, setting clear goals, and being adaptable to change. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment and recognizing team achievements can greatly contribute to your success.
How can I become a better leader?
To become a better leader, invest time in personal and professional development. Seek mentorship, participate in leadership training, and continuously learn from both successes and failures. Reflect on your leadership style and adjust it based on feedback and results.
What is the relationship between leadership and management?
Leadership and management are interconnected but distinct. While management focuses on organizing and coordinating tasks, effective leadership involves inspiring and motivating individuals to achieve their best. Both are essential for leading your team to success.
How do personality traits impact effective leadership?
Personality traits significantly impact effective leadership. Traits such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and openness to feedback can enhance your ability to lead effectively. The best leaders know how to leverage their personality strengths while working on areas that need improvement.
Can leadership skills be developed over time?
Yes, leadership skills can be developed over time through intentional practice and learning. Engaging in leadership development programs, seeking feedback, and taking on new challenges are crucial steps in this process. Continuous learning helps leaders adapt to the evolving needs of their organizations.