What does it mean to be a good leader?
Oftentimes when we think of a leader, we may conjure up images of political figureheads, celebrepeneurs, famous CEOs or even your own boss. However, being a leader is more of an active state of being rather than a targeted position to 'achieve' or accomplish in your career. What we mean by that is that regardless of your role, current position in the marketplace or stage of a business you started -- there are always opportunities to lead.
While the authoritative vision of a 'leader' micromanaging our day-to-day may come to mind, the reality is that leaders tend to have attributes that allow them to thrive:
Clear vision: how can you drive an entire team / client base / company forward without knowing what direction you are heading? Having clarity on your company's vision and mission (how you're currently going to achieve the vision) is the foundation on which decision making, prioritization and goals sit.
Influence: a wise mentor of mine once told me that my ability to influence groups of people was much more important than whatever my title said. Leaders utilize their knowledge base and understanding to have a positive effect on a group of people's behavior in order to achieve targeted goals -- regardless of their position within the organization.
Strong knowledge base: many people grow in their careers or even start businesses of their own because of their strong knowledge base or ability to do a specific function very well. As leaders, having a strong knowledge base on your core competency helps to gain influence as well as preemptively identify and mitigate risks. Keeping the finger on the pulse of what's happening in the world allows you, as a leader, to forecast probable scenarios pertaining to how external factors may impact your industry.
Adaptable: while leaders have a clear and unwavering 'north star' (i.e. vision), the means to get there can be more flexible and adaptable based on the company, talent, opportunities in the market, external influencing factors and a variety of other considerations. Sign up for email alerts (at the bottom of the page) to know when we drop the next post on adaptive leadership.
How can you be a stronger leader?
First and foremost, take a personal inventory or self-assessment of each of the four areas above. How powerful is your influence? Do you know what you're working toward? Are you flexible enough to adapt the ways in which you achieve your vision? How in tune are you with the latest digital trends?
“Self awareness is said to be the most important quality for a good leader”
Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement will only help you become a stronger leader and direct your company on its way to success. D&Co can help. Gain clarity on your vision -- or put your existing one to the test with our Platinum Accelerator Program.