What People Look For In Leaders
Everyone has their own ideas on what they want from leaders. At the same time I have noticed some common themes that come up time and time again when working with leaders.
So what are some of those common themes?
Someone Who Has Self Confidence
No one like a know it all. By the same token people want their leaders to have self confidence. Why? Part of the reason is that it provides confidence to others.
Someone Who Treats Others Well
People will always go that extra mile for someone who treats them well. If you want people to follow you, treat them well.
Someone Who Provides Support
What I have noticed and others have all so said is that they always remember the leaders who support them, particularly through difficult and challenging times.
Someone Who Sets Clear Expectations
Vagueness about expectations is more common than you might imagine. People like clarity about what is expected of them.
Someone Who Provides Feedback
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all to some extent thrive on feedback.
Someone Who Praises
We all like to receive praise. It’s the cheapest form of motivation around and surprisingly not provided anywhere near as much as it could be.
Someone Who Defends Their Team Publicly
Even if there are some difficult conversations to be had behind closed doors.
Someone Who Listens
Leaders have ideas and so do those who work for them. People want to be heard, to have their say and make their contribution.
Someone Who Is Consistent
No one likes working for the boss who flits from being supportive to being destructive.
Someone Who Sets The Tone
Example and showing the way goes a long way towards setting the tone.
Someone Who Knows Their Strengths and Plays To Them
Rather than trying to pretend they are great at everything.
Someone Who Values Their Team
They actively utilise the skills, qualities and experience of their team.
What else might you add based on your own experiences?
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.