Developing leadership skills and an understanding of the complex roles of leaders is central to advanced business education options like the online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program from Florida Institute of Technology. As business analysts, law enforcement and educational institutions examine the question of what makes a good leader, new developments arise in leadership theory and methodology. The one element that remains the same is the understanding that leadership is the catalyst for change, growth and collaboration, under which all elements of an organization work together.
What Are the Key Elements of Leadership?
Myriad interrelated factors comprise the dynamic concept and practice of leadership. Here are seven aspects of leadership that can serve as a springboard to success for anyone occupying a leadership role:
- Be transparent
When a leader is transparent, they may face fewer challenges from those they oversee. Good leaders use transparency to help those around them embrace change. They can accomplish this with a combination of communication, informed debate, shared decision-making, reaching a consensus and using social media. People should know why and how a leader has come to a decision and in what ways it will affect them. Regardless of their specific leadership role, transparent leaders are not micromanagers. They give credit to others when success occurs, and they take the blame for failures.
- Learn from failure
Experiencing failure has the power to shape a leader. It is a powerful resource for learning and teaches survival, renewal and innovation. Embracing failure enables us to change and inspire others. Leaders must be willing to take great risks and fail or they will never reap the rewards great challenges present. In the process, leaders gain great perspectives about people and who they can trust.
- Foster trust
One of the core principles of leadership is trust. In the past, leadership was a function of powerful people. In the modern-day, that vertical model of leadership is less effective. Today, leaders are successful by being able to collaborate with and inspire others in pursuit of common goals. In other words, a good leader no longer trusts in power but places their faith in the power of trust. Additionally, a leader is a trustee in any relationship, someone others can count on and willing to place trust in those around them.
- Embody authentic confidence
A good leader embodies confidence. No one will follow a leader who is lacking in self-assurance, and people can see through a façade of confidence. A leader who can articulate their goals and stand by decisions is far more effective than someone who hides their insecurities behind a mask of arrogance. Even after failure, a good leader trusts their gut and takes on decision-making willingly. Confident leaders are generally happier, exhibit high motivation, create better relationships, remain open to risks, accept feedback, think for themselves and recognize success.
- Demonstrate decisiveness
A good leader weighs a decision carefully, but once they make up their mind, they are not easily put off course. This shows commitment, which breeds consistency, both of which are traits that pay off well in leadership. Decisions made in a decisive manner often yield better long-term results and team culture than “wishy-washy” decisions, even if less assured decisions end up being “correct.” Again, decisiveness fosters trust, and even the decisions that result in failure can provide opportunities for positive change.
- Practice humility
Humility is critical to keeping leaders grounded and connected with the people around them. Being honest, having integrity and listening to employees will only help gain their respect, which will pay off when it comes time to make hard decisions. The best leaders possess an open mind and flexibility and can adjust to new ways of thinking or alternative methods when necessary. These leaders take criticism in stride and view it more as an opportunity for growth than an assault on their character. While it’s true that everyone loves confidence, humility creates a likable persona, making others more comfortable with their position.
- Promote creativity
Many decisions a leader will encounter will be unique to the business and will require more thought than simply throwing a canned solution at it. Teams will often look to a leader for innovative thinking, so being able to tap into previous experiences and a treasure chest of new ideas will pay off for any leader. Plus, innovative, creative leaders demonstrate, encourage and inspire innovation and creativity in employees — factors that are crucial for team success in modern business.
While leadership styles may need to be tailored to suit specific situations and businesses, these seven traits can provide the tools necessary to steer an organization down the path of success. Some people may be born leaders, but these are characteristics anyone can display with the right amount of determination.
What Kind of Leader Are You?
To a degree, some positive leadership traits are innate. Yet with time, study and experience, aspiring leaders can also develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively. For those who want to grow their leadership competencies, explore leadership styles and learn how to manage change in complex work structures, Florida Tech’s online Master’s in Organizational Leadership provides a path toward success.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program.
