Leadership has traditionally been looked at in terms of authority and decision-making. It is surprising in how successful leaders will approach their roles to really let inspiration and motivation in teams. Their strategies and behaviors separate them from others, and create an environment where teams feel empowered by their presence. This list reveals ten surprising things successful leaders do differently.
- Vulnerability
The most distinctive feature of outstanding leaders is a willingness to be vulnerable. The actual opposite of the typical perception and power behind leadership, in fact, good leaders know that vulnerability will not undermine but foster trust in their teams. In fact, studies have proven that vulnerable teams are more likely to be cohesive and creative. When they feel that their words and minds can be opened without fear, ideas surface that may make breakthroughs.
- Listening Over Speaking
Successive leaders work under the assumption that they have the ‘loudest voice in the room, instead, they listen; they comprehend listening to be an engagement and problem-solving tool. Therefore by actively seeking input from the team members they find a way to up-value each participant. Studies have shown organizations that are customer-centered in listening have always recorded a staggering 4.6 times high rates in employee engagements as compared to those which don’t.
- Create an Experimentation Culture
Successful leaders foster the experimentation culture in their organizations. They embrace failure as a growth and learning experience, not one that frightens people away. Innovation emanates from such an attitude as members feel comforted to try new ideas for fear of punitive reactions. According to PwC, 61 percent of CEOs say that if companies promote an experimentation culture, innovation will be driven within the companies.
- Well-being as Focus. One of the shocking things that effective leadership focuses on is the wellbeing of staff members. These leaders understand that happy employees are very productive and find ways to serve with much passion. They implement policies that help create work-life balance, enhance mental health support, and, in general, enhance the overall wellbeing. Studies in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology showed that when an employee perceives that the leader cares for his wellbeing, then there is an increase in job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Encourage diverse perspectives
Diversity is more than a buzzword: it is an integral part of the approach to leadership. They really ensure diverse perspectives arrive on board in teams. After all, different backgrounds lead to richer discussions and better decision-making. Companies with diverse leadership teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability, as research by McKinsey has shown. Valuing diversity helps successful leaders to create a truly inclusive environment where everybody feels empowered to contribute.
- Lead with Empathy
Empathy is the foundation of effective leadership but cannot be found in most traditional leadership theories. Good leaders take time to determine what the needs and feelings are of their subordinates. They realize that empathy makes great relationships and teamwork as well. A Businessolver survey revealed that 92 percent of employees believe empathy is relevant to leadership, yet only half believe it takes place with regard to their own leaders.
- Communicate Specific Expectations
The expectation seems pretty clear in and of itself, though most leaders do not communicate expectations well. Great leaders make sure each member of the team knows where he or she fits and what his or her role is within the organization. That makes it clearer and much less confusing, as well as holding team members more accountable. A Gallup study found that employees who know what is expected at work are two and a half times as likely to be engaged as those without clear expectations.
- Celebrate Small Wins
Great leaders realize that the celebrations of winning tiny, tiny small feats en route to greater wins are integral. The act of achieving a very small achievement motivates employees because they feel valued for trying their best. Recognition of wins whatever big or small develops psychological safety in people. Gallup studies indicate that workforce productivity and engagement rise with experience of frequent appraisals.
- Flexibility in Leadership Approach
Adaptability is the most prized feature of leadership today in fast-paced changing worlds. Great leaders adopt a change in their leadership style based on the teams and problems within the organization. This allows for a faster response to any situation that may dictate change and provides better team morale when things get tough. According to Deloitte, adaptable leaders lead organizations and those organizations better adjust to change, thus leading to higher performance results.
- Self-Improvement Portfolio A very important aspect of being a leader is to invest in self-improvement just like the rest of the team. A good leader should continually look for opportunities to develop either at schools, mentorship programs, or through any personal learning experiences. This not only shows in his competencies but also sets precedence for the rest of the team. According to the LinkedIn’s Report on Workplace Learning, 94% of employees will remain at a company longer if that company invests in their career development.
Conclusion
The landscape of leadership is changing, and these new approaches to it mean the best collaboration and innovation with well-being in teams. This shows vulnerability, listening, experimentation, well-being, diversity, empathy, clear expectations, small celebration of wins, flexibility in leadership, and investment into developing yourself.
Knowing these surprising traits might be really helpful for both any leader who wishes to grow his leadership skills or any employee wishing to have a pleasant work environment. In this vigorously changing world, some of those practices can be a ticket to the sustainability of success in an organization.
