The Top Leadership Qualities Every Manager Needs

Good leadership can be difficult to spot –

sometimes leaders are quiet, leading by example.

But there are some traits you should seek to

emulate if you’re leading a team.

Flexibility

Leaders who exhibit flexibility receive higher

ratings from their peers when it comes to

behavior and performance.

Flexibility

How to gain more flexibility Seek outside opinions. Don’t try to make

decisions on your own. When faced with a difficult

situation, seek advice from friends, colleagues,

and consultants.

Action

It’s great if your team likes you, but if you can’t

lead them to success and unite them around a

common goal, you’re not leading..

Action

How to be more decisive Not everyone is going to agree with your

decisions. You have to accept that being

respected by your team is more important than

being loved.

Transparency

Transparency is getting real with your team.

Transparency matters because it helps

employees gain context so they can understand

why things are being done in certain way

Transparency

How to be more transparent Start by gathering your team once a month to

explain quarterly or monthly goals. Allow them to

ask questions, and tell the truth when you answer.

Seeing the Big Picture

This quality makes the difference between good

leaders and great ones. Leaders must be aware of

where the company is positioned, as well as

where they sit within the company.

Seeing the Big Picture

How to step back and see the big picture Whenever you start a new project, think about

where it fits in with what the company does.

If employers feel as though they are protected by

their leader, they’ll take risks that can bring

substantial rewards.

Advocacy

Advocacy

How to be a better advocate Put team happiness before your own happiness.

Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations

for the good of the team.

Ability to Listen

Employees want leaders who will listen to their

problems, ideas, and suggestions, and really hear

them.

Ability to Listen

How to be a better listener Practice. It sounds silly, but you can improve a lot

by practicing your listening skills. When you go

into a meeting, try to listen.

Empathy

Empathy not only matters in connecting with a

team, but also in building products. If you don’t

possess empathy for your customers and clients,

it will be difficult for you to lead them as well.

Empathy

How to be more empathetic When you’re listening to a colleague or direct

report, imagine what it would be like to be them.

These leadership qualities can all be cultivated if

they’re prioritized by leaders and managers.

To continue improving your leadership and

management skills, visit our blog.