The Qualities and Value of an Effective Leader

Having an effective leader at your organization’s helm is critical to success. Regardless of sector or department, the qualities that make an effective leader remain relatively universal. Rather than being hyper-focused on outcomes, the best leaders influence others to produce the desired outcomes. Here are 7 qualities of an effective leader that inspires people to tap into their highest potential:

1. Good Communicator

The marker of effective leadership is clear communication. To gear your entire team towards the same goal, you must be able to explain your vision. Empower your staff by communicating the organization’s goals, strategies, successes, and setbacks. Openness instills trust and confidence in others.

Let your team know that you’re available. Meet with them regularly. Nurture relationships in which your employees can learn to trust and depend on you.

2. Has an Emotional IQ

Truly effective leaders have a high level of self-awareness and empathy for the people they are leading. [Tweet this quote!] Recognizing your own moods, as well as their effect on others, is key to developing a healthy and positive atmosphere in your workplace. Understand and speak to the individual needs of your team members, and your staff will learn to trust you and feel safe to be honest, speak up, and take risks. Talented people want to work for bosses who truly care about them and their potential.

3. Empowering

Along with understanding the needs of their staff, great leaders know – and promote – the individual strengths of their team. Seek and encourage these individual strengths, and place your staff in positions where they can grow and flourish.  Keep in mind what each team member enjoys doing when delegating tasks; this will communicate that you believe in them, and they will feel motivated to put more care into what they produce. This will increase levels of productivity and confidence on all fronts of your organization.

4. Honest

When setting ethical standards within your organization, remember that you lead by example. Your brand and employees are a reflection of yourself, and when you practice what you preach, people will adopt ethical and honest conduct for themselves. Your employees will also feel more at ease when they know where they personally stand with you. This will encourage transparency as part of your office culture.

5. Positive

A half-empty glass has never really been known as a morale booster. To keep your team excited and focused on your organization’s success, be the first to instill a can-do attitude within your office. Remain optimistic on the days things don’t go according to plan, and your team will take cues from your positivity and stay motivated for your next big win.

6. Confident

Effective leaders aren’t afraid to be decisive and make tough calls. When your team looks to you for direction, learn to assess risk, trust your instincts, and adapt to new surroundings. A huge part of your job as a leader is to relieve tension and keep morale high. Even on days when unexpected situations arise, remain confident, and your team will, too.

7. Has a Sense of Humor

Keeping a sense of humor is not only a healthy stress reducer, but it can also improve and relax your office culture. Show that you don’t take yourself too seriously, and you will cut down on the intimidation factor your employees might feel around you.

What do you think makes a good leader? What has proven effective in your organization? Let us know what you think – tweet us @Classy or comment below!