For a company to succeed and achieve exceptional results, both the team and the organization need a top-notch leader. What are the traits that set exceptional leaders apart from average ones? Some key skills include different ways of handling and solving problems, making tough decisions, and adapting, among others. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key characteristics and delve deeper into them.
- They Always Know How to React in Crisis Situations
Crisis situations can arise at any time – they could be large events like natural disasters, economic recessions, social unrest, war, pandemics, and more. Or they could be internal company crises that need to be resolved quickly.
In these moments, it’s crucial that a leader remains calm and takes control of the situation, makes appropriate and fast decisions, and clearly communicates them to their team. A true leader won’t panic but will search for solutions.
Another characteristic of successful leaders is their ability to use a crisis to improve their team and possibly reorganize the work.
- They Are Confident, But Not Arrogant
Confidence in leaders attracts people around them, giving them the feeling that anything is possible. It also allows leaders to believe in themselves and their decisions – which enables them to make optimal solutions both within the team and for the company, all while remaining grounded. A leader’s confidence has a unifying effect on their team, enabling them to lead with authenticity.
On the other hand, arrogance can lead to overconfidence in one’s knowledge, abilities, and power, which can cause a leader to lose touch with reality, ultimately leading to reckless decisions. Additionally, arrogance from a leader can alienate both superiors and subordinates, as well as potential clients.
Exceptional leaders know the difference between confidence and arrogance and understand when it’s wise to listen to others’ opinions or learn from them.
- They Protect Their Team Members
Leaders who are willing to take the heat and protect their team gain credibility and, as a result, the loyalty of their team members.
Exceptional leaders support their team and know how to take responsibility for the entire team. However, they do not shift the blame for their own mistakes onto others. They also know how to accept their mistakes with healthy confidence.
Moreover, exceptional leaders care about their team members feeling safe and protected. They advocate for their rights, including respect for employees’ dignity, offering support and help in stressful situations, and ensuring a safe work environment.
Highly skilled and exceptional leaders are often graduates of MBA programs.
- They Are Optimistic, But Remain Grounded
Optimism or a positive attitude is an important characteristic of a great leader, but it’s key to remain grounded and ready to face real challenges. Excessive optimism could lead to hasty decisions or unrealistic expectations.
Positive yet realistic leaders make decisions based on solid data and analysis – not based on emotions or excitement. At the same time, they are open to adjustments when unexpected obstacles arise – and adaptability is crucial to success in the ever-changing business environment.
- They Foster Creativity
While it’s important for a leader to have the final say in decision-making, it’s equally crucial to involve their team members’ opinions throughout the process.
Exceptional leaders are aware that sometimes it’s difficult to find new solutions if work follows established and known principles. That’s why they are open to new ideas and know how crucial they are for the success of the company. They encourage creativity, development, and the implementation of new ideas.
Creating a safe work environment fosters conditions in which every team member feels valued and respected, enabling creativity → creativity brings new ideas and solutions → these lead to better business results.
In addition to the points above, exceptional leaders also regularly provide feedback (both positive and inevitably negative), use the word “we” instead of “I,” manage their time so effectively that their calendar looks like a Tetris of commitments, and more.
What about you? Do you use any of these skills in your work? If you want to improve your leadership abilities, an MBA at GEA College can help – because investing in knowledge is investing in the future.
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