Think of some of the best leaders. What do they have that others don’t? Is it some innate ability that allows them to stand out from the crowd?
Probably not. They are using the timeless secrets that women have used each and every day to nurture their children, build long-lasting friendships and create amazing businesses (at twice the rate as their male counterparts).
Here are seven secrets to become a great leader:
I) Master the Art of Listening
This is an imperative skill for effective leadership. A great leader knows this. However, they also know that it’s impossible for one person to have all the knowledge needed to run their business: unless you have a power team. Leaders will surround themselves with knowledgeable experts and successfully listen to their advice.
Many women excel at this skill. It may be from years of negotiating between family relationships. Since women are more open to sharing ideas and information, they are also more inclined to reflect and implement ideas that are brought to them.
Think about what the other person is saying and you will begin to see and feel a difference in the mood of your conversations. This will enable you to assess situations accurately and take in information from all sides
II) Gratitude
When you lose your gratitude, you lose your graciousness. Whether it’s self gratification or for the work of others, gratitude is a powerful tool. It enables growth and change in individuals and organizations. People who express gratitude and receive it have a greater sense of self efficacy, thus realizing a higher value in their well-being.
Gratitude requires the ability to take nothing for granted and to consciously acknowledge and celebrate gifts. Leaders expect those with whom they work to perform at a certain level. Whether that standard is met or superseded, it should be recognized. That positive reinforcement will motivate the person even more, setting a higher goal to be reached.
What of your goals and dreams? Whether you have succeeded or failed, there's a lot more gratification in trying something that you haven't done and didn't know how to do.
III) Responsibility
With great power comes great responsibility. Many bosses underestimate the effect they have on their employees. It is imperative to maintain awareness of your own power and how you can cultivate empowerment in those around you. Your staff looks to you for guidance and support. Why not use that to your advantage? Develop a sense of responsibility in your workers. Help to develop good character traits that will help them carry out their professional responsibilities.
In order to ensure that assignments are completely accurately, make sure that they are understood, supervised, and accomplished. Whether or not it is realized, communication plays a significant role in this responsibility.
Also, as a leader it is important to take responsibility for your own actions. Seek for new ways to guide your organization to the next level. Know that when things go wrong, and they always do sooner or later, do not blame others. Analyze the situation, take corrective action, and move on to the next challenge.
IV) Become the Observer
Whether we want to admit it or not, leaders still face a plethora of obstacles daily. That is why it’s important to stay on top of your staff, your colleagues, and business trends. A tool that can help you with this and ultimately transform how you do business is the tool of observation.
By becoming an observer, you can see how people harness their own power. This is particularly true with members of your company. Through observation, you can discern between the ways that people communicating and work with one another. This can help enlighten you on how to motivate each of your employees.
V) Balance
Leaders must have a sense of balance in all things. Whether it is between vision, inspiring leadership, and financial management or how you are perceived by others. Balance must be in order.
True balance comes between sensitivity and strength. With sensitivity alone, a leader can only briefly survive. People will stop taking her seriously. On the other end of the spectrum, is she is all brass, people may be afraid of her and furthermore, afraid of becoming self-empowered under her.
Either way great strides will be lost. Balance comes when trust is present. When you trust that your staff will come through for you, then you exude that confidence. Praise when praise is deserved, but also reprimand as well. People are not perfect, but they need to know that you care enough to oversee them and their work.
VI) Patience
Patience may be the hardest skill to acquire. However, it is an essential part of leadership.
It is so easy to rush into things. To feel like you must reach your ultimate goals within a week. Sound familiar? This is particularly evident in women leaders. Women leaders can feel the need to prove that they are as aggressive as their male counterparts. Instead of falling into that trap, master the art of timing and patience.
Timing can make or break a company. So many companies start off with a bang, but cannot keep up with the progress, because they weren’t prepared for their own success. If you have the patience to wait, prepare, and strike while the iron is hot, then your company has a greater chance of prosperity.
Also, go with the times. If trends are changing, see if your company can piggy-back on one of them. If there is currently nothing appropriate for you to piggy-back on, lie low for awhile. As in life, business works in ebbs and flows. If you can bide your time for a bit, you may find an ebb tide to bring your company to greater heights.
VII) Personality: How to be Yourself
Many professionals still feel the need to prove themselves. Not just to colleagues (male or female) but to themselves. A vast majority are still attempting to do it all.
When a person is stretched so thin, it is easy to lose your self-trust. When a leader loses self-trust, they are in danger of losing their core and individuality. Both are needed as points of reference in order to operate your business. When a leader loses their individuality, they no longer focus on their own agenda, but on other agendas.
You are a leader, just trust yourself. Since there are no two personalities the same, no one can replicate your business. If you project your personality through your business, you have a unique branding angle that no one can touch. True leaders know that when you think outside of the box, success and prosperity find innovative ways to show themselves.
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