How to Be an Effective Leader

There are several traits that all great leaders have in common. Whether it be the leader who inspires a nation, a company, or any enterprise, there are certain attributes that one must possess in order to be effective. Let’s take a look at some of the most important attributes of a great leader.

Mindset

Without a rock-solid mindset tuned to leadership and victory, you would not go very far as a leader. Your thoughts precede your actions, so whatever is going through your head will determine how good of a job you do. By holding a victorious attitude and utilizing an iron will, people would naturally gravitate towards you as a leader.

Leading By Example

Too often we hear these words, “do as I say, not as I do.“ Do they sound like the words of a true leader? Do they sound like the words of someone you could trust to command resources in a possible emergency or crisis?

No one in their right mind would feel very good about following a leader that does not personally adhere to their own standards. Such a person is not a leader, but simply a person in a position of power. There is a difference between someone who happens to be in control and a true leader.

Courage and Confidence

No one will follow a person who is a coward or a vacillator. True leaders know how to make a decision and stick with it. There is no wishy-washy inconsistency in the way they manage their affairs.

Those with a timid nature most likely never find themselves in positions of power, for people would never gather behind them. They would be sniffed out immediately. Display courage and confidence and people will trust you to lead them.

Communication Skills

All people are different and, likewise, have varying communication styles. A true leader is someone who knows how to communicate with a variety of different personalities, in a variety of different ways.

The ability to read the expressions on people’s faces and to size up an individual in a very short amount of time is the hallmark of a real leader. Being ignorant of these things would render the potential leader inept, unable to truly communicate their ideas and goals, or to be trusted upon in dire times.

This blog was originally published on Thomas Looby’s website.