What makes a leader truly successful?

Are you in a management position and do you want really to excel in it? Would you like to be more than a boss whom subordinates merely put up with? Do you want to motivate, inspire and lead, while also acting as a role model? Here are five traits that make a truly successful leader and will help both you and your employees reach their full potential.

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Do not try to dodge unpleasant topics

According to Center for Creative Leadership, an honest and authentic manager does not avoid unpleasant topics. If there is a problem in the team or the company that until now you have been trying to ignore or keep a lid on, you need to handle it in a transparent way, even if you do not really feel like doing so.

Spread positive energy

A good leader must be able to maintain an optimistic attitude and spread positive energy even during critical situations. Learn always to find something positive in any situation, and support your team in viewing problems as opportunities.

Do not try to be someone you are not

An inspiring leader is above all authentic. Do not try to pretend to be someone you are not. Admit even to your own weaknesses and show subordinates your human side. Providing, of course, you still maintain a certain level of authority.

Be a full member of your team

Do not try to be better than the others. When a crisis strikes that requires extra effort from everyone, roll up your sleeves, sit in the office in the evenings with your employees and act as a role model for them.

Develop the full potential of your employees

A surprising number of managers are afraid their team members may become too competent, grow too much and topple them from their management position. But such an attitude in a manager only destroys the potential of the whole team. Try to develop your employees, give them space and thus improve the skills of the team as a whole.

 

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Article source Center for Creative Leadership - CCL® website
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