Congratulations! You’ve worked hard, and now you’re a boss over a team of people. But how do you make sure you’re a great leader that people listen to and respect? To perform at your best, here are a few leadership qualities that you’ll want to make sure you have:
Humility
Humility is linked to positive values, such as generosity, good friendship and work ethics. Maintaining good relationships is important in business. Arrogance is often a turn off to people as well. Humans are a species that need cooperation for survival, and humility is a trait that encourages cooperation. Survival in business might not be literal life or death but it’s still survival. One study on humility in business found that humble leaders earn more commitment from coworkers and employees. As with most things, make sure you don’t go too far with humility. Extremes are usually not good. Being too humble causes you to not give yourself the credit you deserve. It also can result in people underestimating you, not being recognized for your skills and being a follower instead of a leader.
Thick Skin
You’re going to run into unhappy customers, employees and superiors sometimes in business. Don’t take it personally. According to Franchise Gator, taking advice from others and not being easily offended by superiors, employees, or customers is critical. To thrive in business, you must learn how to reframe criticism. Do something to calm yourself down like breathing exercises or meditation, then consider what the person said. Is it valid? Are they bringing up an area that could be improved? Or was it the type of criticism that isn’t constructive? If it wasn’t constructive criticism, thank it for helping you build mental toughness. Don’t take the concept of thick skin too far, or you may become aggressive and closed off to the important opinions of others that can help you grow.
Integrity
Honoring your word and commitments is one of the most important qualities in a good leader. Never say you’ll do something unless you are sure you’re going to do it. Customers and employees will lose belief and trust in you when you don’t stay true to your word. Integrity also involves being honest and sticking to your moral principles. Never let someone in business convince you that shady acts come with standard business practices. According to Authentic Leadership International, it’s important to stay true to your principles and lead with integrity. You will get further that way in the end. Your name is your legacy. You don’t want to be known for dishonest acts. Many people will respect you for your integrity. You will attract the right kind of people into your life this way.
Embodying these three leadership qualities will help you successfully lead in business. They spill over into your personal life bringing benefits as well. You may find that you have happier relationships in your personal life when you live with humility, mental toughness, and integrity.