I’m the world’s biggest believer that first and foremost, as leaders, ‘be yourself’ is the best possible advice, but there are three certain attributes which, particularly when exhibited together, take a leader from good to great.
Clarity
It’s impossible to lead and deliver through others if you’re not clear. Even (more so) in highly ambiguous or frenetic environments, clarity is key. So, what does clarity mean?
- Setting expectations – both in terms of the job to be done (what is to be delivered, by when, in what format) or how you want to work together with others (communication preferences, roles and responsibilities, team values).
- Context – set context at every opportunity. Do not assume everyone has the same information. Make no assumptions.
- Communication – great leaders are great communicators. No surprises – upwards, downwards or sideways.
Kindness
Being a kind human being in the work place means different things to different people, but I’d recommend you ask yourself the question ‘how could I exhibit more kindness to those I work with?’. Authentic kindness breeds reciprocal trust and goodwill in droves. It’s also hugely impactful, yet extremely underestimated by leaders to be as such. Kindness costs nothing and can be demonstrated by anyone at any time, irrespective of who they are or what they do in the organisation. Kindness must be hierarchy-less and not used to drive any agenda. A few examples:
- Making a hot drink for your colleague (and remembering the ‘order’).
- Meaningful conversations – remembering children’s or partner’s names or holiday destinations.
- Buying a thoughtful birthday present, from you (not the company) on a direct report’s birthday, however small the gesture – some lovely dark chocolate for a chocolate lover, some English gin for an overseas colleague or a book tailored to someone’s interests.
Humility
Humility is a big word with a multitude of meanings; but in this context, it’s about being an ego-less leader, who treats everyone as equals and is respectful and curious towards others, no matter what their position. Some examples:
- Saying please and thank you. Check yourself. How many emails to your team or peers read ‘can you follow up?’ or ‘can you action?’, yet to your boss read ‘Please can you let me know?’. I see this happen all the time. Ditto for the person who empties your bin every day; do you know their name and do they know you’re grateful?
- Being open to feedback and opinions. Just because you’re a leader – be that a C-suite executive or team supervisor – it doesn’t mean you can’t drive richer outcomes through taking on-board the opinions of others.
- Respect – treat absolutely everyone with respect. If you’re calling a team member out of hours, or requesting a meeting or their time, ask them if it’s going to work for them.
The magic combination
This combination of attributes is so key because they work together. Be demanding in setting tough expectations upfront, and holding others to them, but couple this with kindness and humility and reap the benefits.