-Written by SIYP Team

Often, in any group, organization, or business, there will be persons who will stand out among others. Generally, this person is called or considered a natural born leader – with effective leadership skills – and will rise up as a mentor or role model for others.

A good leader generally doesn’t have to try to get attention or influence others. People will naturally follow a leader who has effective leadership skills.

Often, this is a person who demonstrates a passion for their work and can inspire others to buy in to their vision or aspirations.

Aside from sheer determination and intrinsic motivation, there are other effective leadership skills and characteristics most leaders possess.

Many of these are innate in ‘born leaders’ but some effective leadership skills can be developed or improved. Therefore, if you are wanting to be seen as a leader – or improve your own perceived leadership qualities and abilities – these are traits you should seek to develop as well.

Humility

Humility is one of the important leadership attributes. In spite of likely great accomplishments, a boss or manager who is able to remain humble will ultimately have an easier time winning the trust and respect of subordinates.

Being A Team Player

Bringing out the best in a team is not just leading them but living with them. To be a team player, you must dive in with your team members and actually be a living, breathing, contributing, component. A leader who contributes with the team is the one who inspires the team to contribute to the very best of their ability as well.

Punctuality and Visibility

Being a good leader means being always seen. Part of this, is being seen showing up on time and not shortchanging the hours or work that needs to be put in and that needs to be done. This demonstrates a genuine commitment and seriousness toward the job and the mission. Additionally, all subordinates should get attention periodically as well. Everyone in the unit needs to get eyeball time in order for the leader to garner their recognition and respect.

Being Trusting of Subordinates and Empowering Your Team

A leader will empower others by recognizing their opinion, their worth, and their contribution. This is an important factor in the coaching and mentoring qualities that being a leader requires.  It includes letting subordinates make their own decisions when appropriate. When you deliberately make empowering your team a priority, it is a sign you trust those you lead. Delegation of work both develops confidence among the workforce and allows the leader to focus on other big-picture goals as well.

Continually Thinking, Learning, and Growing

Continuous and consistent thinking is one of the strong signs of a good leader. Being a good leader means not staying content with what you already know but striving to consistently learn more—gaining additional knowledge that strengthens your own position and that of your company, organization, or group.

The workplace or organizational space can definitely be challenging. There are so many factors and contingencies at play it can be hard sometimes to make progress at all, much less progress that drives the business or organization forward and to new heights.

Most often, the key to such growth are strong leaders with effective leadership skills. 

If you are not yet the leader you want to be – or the leader your company or group needs – it’s not too late. Spending time developing effective leadership skills, leadership traits, and leadership characteristics, benefits you and everyone else involved in your mission.