Leadership. It’s a word we often hear, but what does it mean? Leadership isn’t about a fancy title or barking orders. It’s about the everyday actions that inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in those around us.
Reflecting on my journey from a high school scout leader to a respected professional in various leadership roles, I realise that certain qualities have been instrumental in my success. These qualities are theoretical concepts and practical, everyday skills anyone can develop.
Let me share my journey and the ten qualities that have shaped my leadership style:
1. The Power of Inspiration
In high school, leading my scouting troop, I learned the power of inspiration. It dawned on me that just getting things done wasn’t enough. To lead, I had to ignite passion in my fellow Scouts and make them feel like our adventures mattered. That’s the power of inspiration; it goes beyond tasks and straight to the heart. It’s about prioritising the human element in your team, showing that you care more about them than just the numbers.
2. Delegation: The Art of Trust
Inspiration is terrific, but let’s be honest, a leader can’t do everything! Learning to delegate was game-changing. It wasn’t about dumping work but trusting my team and giving them a chance to shine. Each time I saw a Scout successfully lead a task, I knew I was on the right track. As a university student organising events, I realised that being a role model made it easier for others to take on tasks, thus lightening the load and fostering a collaborative environment.
3. Communication is Key
I’m a chatterbox by nature, and as a leader, that’s been my superpower! I’m all about open and honest communication. Whether celebrating wins, tackling challenging issues, or cracking jokes on our team WhatsApp group, talking openly fosters a sense of camaraderie that makes achieving goals much sweeter. It’s not just about work; it’s about building relationships and understanding your team on a deeper level.
4. A Little Humour Goes a Long Way
Let’s lighten things up! A good sense of humour can break down barriers and make work more fun. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself now and then. A little lightheartedness does wonders, especially when those deadlines are looming. Humour bridges gaps and brings people closer. In my various roles, I’ve used humour to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, fostering a strong team spirit.
5. Confidence: Believe in Your Team (and Yourself)
Confidence is contagious. Back in my casual job at the computer store at the university, I was quickly trusted with higher responsibilities. Why? My managers saw that I believed in myself and, significantly, in my teammates. This created a positive cycle; their confidence in me fuelled my own. I’ve built a culture of mutual trust and transparency by showing trust in my team’s abilities and providing constructive feedback.
6. Commitment: Walk the Talk
A leader’s word is their bond. If I say I’ll do something, you can bet I’ll give it my all. But let’s be smart here, no overpromising. When we commit, let’s make sure we can realistically deliver. Honesty is way more critical than unrealistic expectations. Commitment means keeping your promises and being mindful of your capabilities. It’s about making realistic commitments and thoroughly understanding the challenges that might impede their fulfilment.
7. A Positive Attitude is Everything
Attitude reflects leadership. I’ve always maintained a positive and respectful demeanour, from email etiquette to interpersonal interactions. This approach has helped build strong relationships and maintain a healthy and productive work environment. It’s in the way you talk, the smile that starts your day, even how you write your emails. I’d never drop a grumpy email to a colleague on a Friday evening, ruining their weekend. A quick call is always better!
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8. Creativity Sparks Innovation
As a leader, I always seek new ways to tackle challenges. It might be a fresh brainstorming technique or embracing cool new tech tools. Creativity isn’t just about me; it’s about unlocking that spark in my team. Creativity is key to innovation and staying ahead of the curve. As an Engagement Director for ServiceNow, I encouraged using emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to foster my team’s creative and forward-thinking mindset.
9. Intuition: Trust Your Gut
Sometimes, the best decisions aren’t based on spreadsheets alone. That’s where intuition comes in. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust those gut feelings. Of course, I back them up with data, too, but that inner voice often points me in the right direction. Intuition, the ability to understand something instinctively, is vital. It’s about reading between the lines, anticipating problems before they arise, and making informed decisions quickly and effectively.
10. Honesty: The Foundation of Leadership
Honesty is the bedrock of everything I do as a leader. It builds trust and respect. Even when delivering harsh feedback, honesty and genuine care create a space where people feel heard and motivated to improve. It’s about being transparent, genuine, and true to your word. Honesty builds trust, and trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership.
Leadership Evolves
My leadership journey is ever-evolving, just like I am. I learn new things each day. But, these ten qualities are those I return to time and time again. They’ve served me well, and I hope they inspire you on your own leadership path.