What Really Matters In Leadership!

What qualities should we search for in leaders? It often requires different approaches at different times depending on what environment and what circumstances are experienced. Styles of leadership are very much defined by these conditions. Yet underlying a style has to be qualities, and my observation of leaders who aspire to deliver sustained improvement. is they carry a common set of qualities. Fundamentally they care for those they lead, have a strong growth mindset focused on personal and collective improvement and have the bravery to trust and empower those around them. This allow them to balance people, challenge and progress in all that they do.

A Kind Heart - Surely that makes us weak and indecisive in leadership? - absolutely not! What it does do is ensure that in whatever we do we put people at the forefront of our thinking not at the back of the queue. If we are thinking about improvement it ensures we think about people engagement first, if we are making at the opposite end about downsizing, it means we exercise decisions with compassion and sensitivity. Empathic leadership demands us to have a kind heart at our core, it is the basis of self-awareness and listening as well as keeping us humble in our behaviors. It means we also understand that whilst people come to work to be paid, they go the extra mile and over achieve when they are appreciated and recognized for what they do. It is also our moral compass that ensures when tough calls have to be made we never forget that we have a moral obligation to all when we make those calls to not take short cuts or easy options. Perhaps most importantly the leader with the kind heart understands it is not about them, but it is about those around them and putting them first. Making that group feel as inspired, equipped and empowered to not only achieve, but also excel in their chosen field is what defines us. Look for a kind heart not a tough spirit in all potential leaders it generates loyalty in those around you.

A Fierce Mind – Will ultimately drive a personal growth mindset which is receptive and keen for knowledge. It means that no matter what stage of our career we are at, or what level, we have an appetite to learn and develop our skills. Those with a fierce mind are restless in the pursuit of excellence and improvement and understand that these things don’t happen by accident but are the consequence of many hours and days of hard work and of personal dedication to developing their own capabilities. They also understand that improving themselves will improve the possibilities for those around them to succeed It also means that when we accomplish a goal, we have the fire within us to not sit on our laurels for too long but look for the next opportunity and occasionally re-invent ourselves. Look for a fierce mind and inquisitive nature in future leaders, they will be the flag carriers to drive the agenda of improvement and growth forward . A Growth Mindset is a key to longevity in leadership – it helps us learn, adapt and create healthy challenge.

A Brave Spirit – Sometimes leadership can be the loneliest place in the world, it requires much self sacrifice and inner turmoil. Such a spirit allows us to do the right things, which are not always the most popular or easiest. It is predicated on a sense of purpose and a strong belief that we can make things better and a belief that purpose and that goal is worth standing up for. It almost certainly requires us to put our hand up and occasionally challenge the prevailing view. However, being brave also means admitting we have got things wrong and accepting that sometimes you have to change course – to plough on regardless leading down a path because it is “yours” is not bravery, it is arrogance. The balance of standing up for your view and being prepared to listen and go with those of others, which occasionally takes you into places we may not want to go or have been before is what defines a brave spirit in all leaders. Empowering others is the bravest, but most transformational quality of all in the spirit of a leader, seek those brave enough to trust.

Be caring, inquisitive and brave, in leadership these three forces drive us forward and also act as counter strengths, keeping the balance between people, challenge and progress. They are the qualities we should look for in all our leaders of today and for tomorrow. 

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