Although it might seem like an impossible task, completely shifting an organization’s culture doesn’t have to be. Effective leaders can easily make this happen! Years and years of research have demonstrated this. Thoughtful and inspiring leadership can steer an organization from messy to prosperous.
According to Oxbridge, all effective leaders have five traits in common: credibility, commitment, confidence, communication, and creativity.
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1. Communication
To become a great leader, you must be able to communicate with people in a variety of situations; and not only communicate but communicate well. Effective leaders share ideas with their team as well as listen to what their teams have to say, aware of the importance of building relationships with colleagues. They create a bond of trust, showing interest in their team’s professional and personal goals.
Technology and networking have made effective communication more important than ever, also creating more opportunities for individuals to develop the skill.
2. Confidence
Faith. Effective leaders have faith in themselves, believing in their abilities. When people believe in themselves, those surrounding will also believe it. A leader is someone who uses their best judgment and is confident when making decisions.
Nobody is going to make the right call every single time, but if you believe you can handle the consequences no matter what they may be, then it’s alright.
3. Credibility
Trust is something that isn’t handed out; it must be earned. A leader who is credible is someone who has demonstrated transparency and sound judgment, time and time again. Employees trust their leaders to guide them in the right direction.
Sharing motives and values with team members reinforces the idea of a shared mission.
4. Creativity
Leaders must be quick on their toes, able to adapt to a variety of situations. A leader can make magic happen by thinking outside of the box. Of course, not everyone is naturally gifted with creativity… The good news is that it is possible to enhance creativity by training the way you think.
Below are a few quick tips to invigorate your creative side:
- Say yes more and no less
- Change your daily routine
- Forget what you’ve done in the past and innovate for the now
- Bounce ideas off coworkers
5. Commitment
According to Oxford Review, organizational commitment refers to an individual’s psychological attachment to an organization. When an individual is committed to their organization, they are “bought it” to the mission and vision of their organization, understanding the organizational goals.
A leader who is committed to their organization and their mission can make changes happen that reach far beyond themselves. They can inspire the people they work with to go the extra mile to reach common goals.
When leaders are committed to their organization, their actions and body language clearly exhibit this in their daily actions. This display will invigorate the other people on their team and in the organization.
How to Develop Leadership Abilities
Now that you know the skills of a great leader, you can begin developing those skills yourself. Leadership skills can seem daunting at first, but by following the advice below you will be able to master them in no time.
→ Learn Learn Learn!
People have an immeasurable capacity for learning. Throughout our entire lives we are taking in new information and adapting to environments. A simple way to begin developing your skills is through formal training.
→ Network, Connect, and Communicate
Do you feel like you need to become a better communicator, but you’re not sure where to start? Well, the solution to that problem is much simpler than you think. Sometimes, the best way to learn how to communicate with people is to listen to other people. Take note of how great leaders communicate and engage with others. Take what you see and put it into practice the next time you’re communicating in a similar setting.
→ Lead by Example
A leader’s job is to energize and assure those around them. They create a path for others to follow without hesitation. An effective leader knows how to inspire others to do great things. The more you lead, the more natural it becomes! Leading will become second nature before you know it.
In Conclusion
Effective leaders are wise, nurturing, and take fate into their own hands. They mentor those around them and can bring the wildest dreams to fruition.
Some people are natural-born leaders, while others don’t have that luxury. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, everyone has room to improve their leadership skills and can become an effective leader with enough faith and determination.
