5 Essential Leadership Qualities

Working with outstanding leaders and managers in my professional and personal life has been a privilege. I have always been intrigued by the qualities that set them apart and have closely watched how they communicate, influence, and motivate others. In my experience, I believe that handling technology and its effects is easier compared to managing people, who, unlike technology, do not have a user manual.

I'm going to put together five points, which I feel it's important for a leader.

Authenticity: Being true to yourself and honest in your interactions is highly valued by those around you. If you are not authentic, people may hesitate to be around you or offer their support. Ultimately, others will see through any facade, so it's best to be genuine. Create a comfortable environment for others and empower them.

Handling Uncertainty: A genuine leader possesses the ability to navigate uncertain situations. Another key trait of a leader is the skill of critical questioning, which aids in navigating ambiguity. By posing pertinent and critical questions to both the team and oneself, one can obtain the correct answers and unravel the puzzle of ambiguity.

Courage: It is essential to have a courageous leader who can make decisions and take calculated risks in challenging situations. Making tough decisions will result in admiration from those who rely on you for guidance during difficult times.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset: An essential characteristic of effective leadership is the willingness to consistently push beyond one's comfort zone in order to broaden their knowledge and influence. Proactively pursuing new opportunities, different perspectives, and forming new relationships is the key. By continuously working to improve their capabilities and extend their sphere of influence, leaders can achieve personal growth and increased effectiveness.

Embrace Continuous Learning and Curiosity: Live each day as if it were your last, but never stop learning as if you were to live forever - Mahatma Gandhi. Maintaining a sense of curiosity is more beneficial than adopting a know-it-all mindset. Curiosity paves the way for discovering new opportunities and acquiring knowledge. It enables you to see things from a fresh perspective, especially in challenging situations, and assists you in making informed decisions.

Writing is easier said than done, as it is not a walk in the park for everyone. Mastering leadership skills requires continuous learning and practice. Having a mentor or coach to support you along the way is highly beneficial.