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ARTICLE OF THE MONTH: "10 Unique Perspectives On What Makes A Great Leader" by Brent Gleeson
All business owners and executives have varying experiences and perspectives on the approach and qualities necessary for effective leadership. And not all situations require the same type of leadership style. Great leaders adapt to their surrounding environments and empower the team to succeed together.
Many experts across countless leadership books and articles agree on certain principles required for leading a team to greatness, but when it comes down to it, the most important factor is whether or not the leader is getting the job done.
My philosophies on leadership have evolved over time through research, experiences in combat as a Navy SEAL and from my successes and failures running my own businesses. I believe that the best leaders are passionate about developing the emerging leaders around them, they constantly work to improve their emotional intelligence and know that a strong team culture is the foundation for accomplishing the mission. They are in a perpetual state of preparation and embrace the inevitable changes their businesses will face.
For the purposes of this article however, I wanted to get other business leaders’ perspectives by having them answer one question:
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
Their responses were collected in partnership with the American Board of Experts™. Here they are!
1. Have Faith in Their Beliefs
"It's a mix of a lot of things, but first and foremost it's about having faith in your beliefs. You can't expect others to consider you a leader unless you have solid faith in your ideas. And once it's there, you build on it by being a good communicator, listening to others, setting examples and by putting your best foot forward and not giving up. Leadership is all about being passionate about what you do, and having confidence in yourself and your followers whom you have to motivate and inspire."
"7 Amazing Tools Everyone In Leadership Should Be Using" from the Center of Management & Organization Effectiveness
Have you ever tried to complete a task and it doesn’t turn out quite the way you planned? Did you realize that maybe you just didn’t have the right skills or use the correct tool for the job?
This situation can happen in business as well. A leader in management may have great intentions, but may not have the skills and tools they need to anticipate and manage challenges or realize successful outcomes. Having the right tools in your leadership toolbox allows you to accomplish your goals. The Center for Management & Organization Effectiveness has compiled a list of 8 strategic skills and tools every leader should have in their toolbox to effectively handle any situation that may arise.
1. Strategic Thinking
Chess players know that, in order to win, they must outsmart their opponent by thinking several moves ahead. A chess player has to see where they want to move and anticipate where their opponent is going to move well in advance of taking action. This ability to think strategically is a skill that business leaders need to have as well.
By thinking strategically, you can effectively plan ahead and identify how you will respond to a variety of situations including movements in your team, rising concerns, opportunities for advancement, or new competitors entering the market. While every leader is different, there are some must-have skills for strategic leaders.
