Being a leader is more than attaining a title or possessing formal authority over others. The best leaders succeed in bringing out the best in their people, inspiring hope in troubling times, and guiding their people with vision and heart.
If you want to improve as a leader, start by studying what makes a great leader. According to Howard M. Shore, the bestselling author of The Leader Launchpad, it’s important to look not just at a leader’s results, but also at how they impact others and how they conduct themselves, both publicly and privately.
In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we discuss the five traits that Shore says the best leaders often share.
1. Integrity. Legendary leaders always do the right thing, even when it is difficult. They put aside their own interests and take the right action. They remain unwaveringly committed to their people—not their own selfish ideas. Shore says that many leaders choose their own interests and then act surprised when others would consider another choice.
2. Humility. According to Shore, history’s best leaders realize that their success is a consequence of the efforts of many. No one can succeed on their own, and the best leaders remain humble in how they got to their leadership position. When you embrace humility as a leader, you commit to learning others’ ideas and methods because you know you do not have all the answers and you know you can always improve.
3. Care. Your people want to know you care about them. Are you genuine in expressing your care and concern for them? Many leaders feel entitled to receiving the best care for themselves, but when it comes to giving care, they hold back and then act surprised by the consequences. Shore says extraordinary leaders know how to put themselves in another person’s shoes and empathize with them. Weak leaders do not care to hear any other points of view.
4. Consistency. Have you ever witnessed a leader behave erratically? When you can’t count on a leader to be reliable and predictable, you’re going to feel stress, worrying about what the leader might do next, says Shore. Instead, aim to lead consistently. Stay true to your word. The best leaders always do.
5. Influence. Poor leaders believe that others are here to serve them. Exceptional leaders know they are here to serve others and change their lives in a positive way. Shore asserts that influence is the ultimate superpower. Great leaders don’t just influence their own small team—they impact their entire community and maybe even the world.
There’s no single path to being a great leader. The great thing is that you have a choice in how you lead. You can choose to lead with integrity, humility, care, consistency and influence. If you want exceptional leadership, you have to choose it.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Howard M. Shore is the founder and CEO of Activate Group, Inc. and the bestselling author of The Leader Launchpad.
