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What is a good leader like?
You’re bound to receive different answers (even if they are similar). Perhaps you’ve heard that good leaders are strong, determined, confident, and honest. Or perhaps a “good” Leader to you, is an optimistic and creative person.
My definition of success is what I have learned in my 20+ years as CEO. “leader” The evolution of the organization has been gradual. You will become burnt out if you are faced with challenges, resolve personnel conflicts, make mistakes, and overcome burnout. While I do not claim to know the exact definition of leadership I am able to share with you what I believe to be essentials to becoming a compassionate, positive leader. Entrepreneurial leadership is found in every business sector.
1. Make intentional choices
Leaders are intentional about their habits. You can be a leader whether you are part of the “rise and grind” You’ve thought about how to manage your time, your health, and your business.
My routine as an entrepreneur is important. Not because I need to schedule time, but rather because I would lose sight of what I value if I did not set my priorities. Setting intentional habits has allowed me to create time for family, leisure, my mental and physical health as well as my business.
We are susceptible to developing bad habits without intention. We are prone to distraction and avoidance. Great leaders know their priorities and direct their energy towards the most impactful activities. They also manage their time.
2. Radical honesty is the best policy
Brad Blanton’s book was the first to introduce me to radical honesty. At first, it was a struggle. When I looked back, I was surprised at how much I had used. “little white lie” I made excuses in order to avoid confrontation and ease my discomfort. This was not doing my team or myself any good.
In practice, radical honesty means prioritizing the transparency of information even when that’s difficult. It doesn’t have to be a sham. ? Honest (you are able to tell the truth and not hurt others) but still maintaining open communication. Radical honesty can lead to improved conflict resolution, and refinement of character. This builds your team’s trust.
Most business owners think that being direct, or harsher still, is necessary to achieve success. A great leader is one who speaks truths with compassion and seeks to understand others’ perspectives. For me, radical truthfulness is crucial if you are looking to solve conflict in the best way possible, and not just the easiest way.
3. Generosity is more important than personal gain
Many business owners are attracted by financial gains. While this may not be a bad thing, focusing on profits alone could blind you to more lucrative opportunities that are also soul-giving.
What you give will return to you, and not just in financial terms, but also as friendships, life experiences, personal growth, and development. Great leaders understand that the impact of generosity on their lives is greater than any financial gain.
Donate to your community. Give back to your family, friends, and team. You’ll have a greater sense of purpose if you give to your community, team, friends and family.
4. Take on challenges with compassion
Leaders are not afraid of challenges. A leader is not someone who takes on challenges aggressively, but rather with a thoughtful, compassionate approach, which considers many factors. This is a difficult way to resolve conflicts, but it is the mark of a self-aware, intentional leader.
A great leader is not one who bulldozes other people’s opinions. Listening to others’ opinions, evaluating the data and deciding what is best for the company as a group are all qualities of a great leader. It’s important to know when to speak up. “no” Even to yourself.
A leader is not a victim of their past mistakes. Leaders see each obstacle as an opportunity to grow, learn and overcome. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, it’s more beneficial to focus your energy and optimism into new furniture projects.
Even when decisions are difficult to make and mistakes inevitable, leadership is about having compassion and respect for yourself and others.
5. Know your limits
Leaders are not perfect. There are limits to your abilities. Great leaders can identify the talents of others and recognize when they need to stop doing things that are no longer serving them.
It does not mean that you should delegate just to lighten your load, but rather know your limitations and identify your complements in others. There are often people who share your outlook and can step in and show their skills.
In my role as a CEO I had to discover what made me tick. “no person.” He is the one who lets me know when I am getting in my way, and it’s best to delegate responsibility to better-equipped team members. This person prevents me getting sucked into the weeds and focuses on what matters most to my business at the highest level.
Leaders know what their strengths are, where they fall short and when to let others step up.
Each leader has a unique style. While honesty, integrity, and teamwork are essential, each leader will have their own unique set of skills. Every entrepreneur should explore and identify their personal leadership style. “essentials” If you like, call them the “non-negotiables”. Leading with intent is the best way to maximize your impact.
