A Business Leader Has Unique Qualities

In business, success or failure often depends on the effectiveness of leadership. A business leader will make or break a team. There are numerous and varied opinions on what makes someone a successful leader. However, there are general qualities all successful business leaders possess.

1. Humility:
The business world is rapidly changing, the pace is increasing as the world is becoming more complicated. In this environment, humility becomes an incredible asset for leaders. It is apparent that no one person can accomplish everything on their own. The world needs leaders that understand they don’t have all the answers. It needs people who are aware of their limits and strive to better themselves to successfully lead others.

A humble business leader can encourage creativity and smart thinking. They are willing and able to learn, and consequently, build a foundation of trust among their team. Humility is the antithesis of ego, which often leads us to believe our way is always the right way. When we humbly approach our work, it displays an authenticity to others that in turn creates trustworthiness and human connection.

Orly Maravankin, Founder of Edge Consulting, suggests ways that leaders can embrace humility, including the following: adopt a mindset shift, connect with your aspirations, expand your self-awareness, and ask for help. Each of these suggestions can be accomplished by simply taking a step back and gaining a realistic view of one’s failures and successes.

2. Discipline:
This quality can be applied in many areas, even in a leader’s quest for humility. However, it is of particular importance when it comes to action. A great leader is not defined by who they are, but by what they do. Ronald Heifetz, the author of “Leadership Without Easy Answers,” suggests that rather than defining leadership either as a position of authority or a personal set of characteristics, we should define leadership as an activity.

In business, it is imperative that a business leader makes decisions quickly and efficiently. Being disciplined in one’s understanding of motivation and a company’s motivation will lead to effective action. Discipline also lends itself to motivating a team to act, so together they can reach their goal.

3. Ethical
A study of 195 leaders in 15 countries over 30 global organizations sought to answer the question “What makes an effective leader?” Among the most highly rated characteristics in the analysis was high moral standards. Adopting this quality means holding one’s self  and others to certain values so that a trustworthy environment can be built.

An ethical business leader treats others fairly, which in turn creates a workplace where employees feel comfortable. When a team feels safe, they will be able to reach their maximum potential and push each other to achieve higher, reach goals quicker, and overall build a more successful business.

4. Open-minded

Learning is vital to any business. Leaders and their team must be able to grow and adapt to survive in an increasingly competitive market. In order to foster learning in a company, a leader must remain open-minded. When one shows a willingness for openness it eases worry about being wrong, and ultimately, failing.

Failure is an inevitability in any business, but when someone in a position of leadership acknowledges that fact and encourages risk-taking, excellent ideas will take shape. In Sunnie Giles’ article “The Most Important Leadership Competencies, According to Leaders Around the World”, he suggests that leaders “try to approach problem-solving discussions without a specific agenda or outcome, withhold judgment until everyone has spoken, and let people know that all ideas will be considered.” This method encourages a diverse range of ideas to come forward.

Ultimately, each person must find their own style of leadership, one that fits their role and their business. However, it benefits everyone when leaders strive to better themselves and adopt new strategies and qualities that push their business forward.

For a continuing series of educational business articles the reader is encouraged to visit our blog at https://www.tecma.com