Those of us who are leaders have known this about ourselves from a very early age. As children, we didn’t go around telling people what to do or dominating situations and events, as most people stereotypically think. Instead, we had and still have a quiet sense of confidence, a knowing, our own melody. We don’t just “follow the leader” unless it makes sense, we respect that person and we feel respected, or we simply want to…for our own reasons.
So what makes someone a great leader?
In my work as a coach I help executives uncover what I call their SITE.
S – Self-Awareness – We all have our own unique, innate style, personality strengths and struggles. Some of us are more creative but less organized while others are more organized and set up structures that help other creative people thrive. Some leaders focus more on results, while others inspire results through their support of others.
I – Integrity – We all have our own set of values as well as the extent to which we are committed to those values. Some people will do whatever it takes “at all costs”. However, at the end of the day there is always a cost. There are always consequences to our actions whether we realize it or not. The #1 reason employees stay with the same company is Integrity.
T – Trust – People don’t want to follow a leader they can’t trust. Humanity and transparency build trust. Cohesive teamwork is based on trust and the sharing of ideas, credit, and inevitably fault. When teammates understand, accept, and respect each other, they trust each other.
E – Empowerment – Great leaders are willing to listen and respect the ideas of everyone from the bottom to the top. Visionary leaders mentor and inspire other great leaders early in their professional lives. Millennials (those born after 1980) are the youngest generation in the workforce today. They have grown up on technology and they see life as more social and opportunistic. Unlike previous generations, who are more accustomed to hierarchies in the workplace, Millennials thrive when they are included in the conversation and feel like they are part of the end game.
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Wendy is an entertainment attorney and founder of the Executive and Spiritual Life Coaching Company, Spanda Coaching. Contact her at www.spandacoaching.com and Follow her on twitter @IIamWendyCredle