5 Qualities Every Business Leader Should Have

Executives and managers have many responsibilities to their company, including overseeing day-to-day operations, managing employees, completing their job functions, and ensuring the workplace environment is a good one. According to Gallup, only 33% of employees are engaged at work in the U.S. Engagement results when an individual is passionate about their job and workplace, works with a good team and management, and feels appreciated and valued in their job. Leaders should have many qualities, but these five are important in fostering a workforce that is engaged and dedicated.

Open and constant communication

A leader should be open and honest with employees in their communication practices. A workplace that lacks effective communication is likely not going to succeed because the team is unsure where they stand and not on the same page. This means a leader should provide and take feedback and constructive criticism regularly, as well as take the time to meet with individuals and the team as a whole. Allowing employees to feel like their voices are heard, and sharing information and ideas as needed, makes the workplace efficient and positive.

 

Passion and enthusiasm

A leader enjoys their work and the outcome they receive from putting in the effort to achieve a goal. And if a leader lacks passion for their work, they find out why and make some changes. Of course, everyone has to complete tasks that are mundane or outright not enjoyable, but the most promising leaders are able to remain positive and earnest in creating a passionate workforce. They offer enthusiasm, motivation, and optimism to those who are uninspired.

 

Initiative

A leader has put in hard work and dedication to get to this position; not everyone is able to lead a team reliably. A leader must show initiative in making decisions, often quickly but still accurately. Additionally, showing initiative includes agreeing to tasks that may present obstacles or be out of their comfort zone. A leader is encouraging, accomplishes all tasks to the best of their ability, and is not afraid to fail.

 

Awareness

A leader understands the strengths and weaknesses of others and themself, and uses this knowledge to best lead their team and delegate responsibilities. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, assignments that they like and do not like, and issues they care about or do not care about. A leader understands how this impacts and influences others, and takes the time to get to know each individual on their team to understand how everyone might work well (or not) together. This skill is especially helpful when working on large projects or dividing up work amongst a group.

 

 

High integrity

A leader is honest and adheres to principles made to themself and their company, and ensures that their team does the same. When new hires start, a leader shares the company’s mission and values, and takes the time to explain their standards and the company culture they pride themselves on. A leader leads by example and encourages others to do the same. And if someone is not acting with integrity, a leader makes sure to address this issue and reinforce the company’s values.

 

While many attributes make up an exceptional leader, an individual that has these five qualities are sure to keep employees motivated and inspired. A positive and effective leader keeps a business running successfully, and inspires a team to continually do great work together.