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The willingness to learn and adapt is what differentiates a great leader from a good one. As John F. Kennedy so aptly put it “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” These words hold especially true in today’s world where a leader has to lead by example. To do so you have to change the way you think and work. Here are some of the qualities which you can imbibe to become a truly great leader.
- Positivity – True leadership is about the ability to view the glass as half full. There will always be obstacles and adversities in the running of an organisation. As a leader you have to remain positive and work through all the challenges thrown at you. Your positivity will serve as an inspiration for your team to never lose hope.
- Willingness to Learn – There is never an end to learning. Keep your mind open to suggestions, feedback and new techniques. Listen to ideas put forth by those who are more in touch with ground realities. This allows you to make more informed decisions, which benefit the organisation as a whole.
- Humility and Approachability –The more successful you become, the more humble you should be. The people reporting to you should feel that they can approach you anytime with their ideas and concerns, and be heard without any bias.
- Take Ownership – Once you have made an informed decision about a project, take ownership of it. Let your team know that you take full responsibility and stand with them to ensure it becomes a success. When they know you’ll always have their back, their confidence in you will definitely increase.
- Focus on Growth – Once the company goals have been set, ensure your projects and other tasks work towards achieving these goals. Never lose sight of your goals and convictions whatever the challenges that come your way.
- Lead by Example – Set the same exacting standards you expect from your team, on yourself. Put your heart and soul into any project you undertake. Let your team be inspired by your actions and seek to emulate you.
- Calculated Risks – Don’t be afraid to take risks. Let go of your risk-averse mindset and embrace a risk-ready one. Realise you have to take a few calculated risks if you want to really develop the business. However, keep in mind it has to be a ‘Calculated Risk’, where you do your homework before making any decision.
- Learn to Delegate – To be truly successful you have to learn to trust others. Delegating important tasks to your team will show the level of faith you have in them. Ensure that you assign them the necessary authority to carry out their responsibilities.
