Most of us can recite common leadership qualities from memory. Leaders are bold and decisive, intelligent, able to see the “big picture,” and willing to make unpopular decisions for what they believe to be the greater good. The list goes on.
One leadership trait that’s not talked about so much is thoughtfulness. That’s unfortunate because it may be the most important of all — close to it, anyway. Other seldom-recognized attributes of great leaders include empathy, humility and deliberativeness.
When these traits exist in the same person, the results speak for themselves. Executives like David Miscavige, whose public life reveals a rare combination of decisive leadership ability and genuine concern for others, have helped grow a once-small organization into one with truly global influence.
Others have similar achievements to their credit. While each leader brings their own unique strengths, experiences and philosophies to their practice, these strategies may help you follow in their footsteps.
- Never Forget Where You Came From
In other words, stay humble.
“In reality, humility is a super strength that improves your overall well-being and brings out the best in you and others,” says mental health expert Rosey LaVine.
Humility is about paying it forward, too. It’s about helping your younger or less experienced peers and supporting the next generation of leaders in your life. Make time for those who’ll be around longer than you, just as you expected when the roles were reversed.
- Find an Advisor Who’s Been There Before
No matter how far your career advances, advice will remain useful. Find a mentor whose career track shares some common features of your own, just a few years (or a couple of decades) ahead.
In an ideal world, they would work in your organization but not in your direct chain of command, although bosses can be valuable advisors as well. If you don’t seem to work with a suitable mentor, look to professional or trade associations for support. And wherever you find it, seek practical advice about leadership, warts and all.
- Listen to Those You Lead
It’s probably overkill to devote half or even 25% of your workday to meetings, says Businessing contributor Christina DeBusk.
Speaking about the frequent but short meeting cadence at one large employer, DeBusk says, “as long as the meetings were short and added value…they could be well worth the couple of minutes out of the employees’ days to attend them.”
However, it’s important to take time out of your own routine (and your direct reports’) to check in — for their benefit as well as yours. Direct conversation helps you understand what your subordinates are up to in their day-to-day and what you might be able to do to help them work better. It’s also another way to stay grounded and humble.
- Find Meaning Outside of Your Work
This is difficult if not impossible for passionate leaders who feel as if they’re inseparable from the organizations or teams they lead. Not to mention the professional mission they’re on.
However, it’s vital for leaders who wish to remain grounded while sustaining the very high standards of performance to which they hold themselves. Hobbies and social life help.
So too does vacation. Disconnecting for longer than it takes to eat and sleep is non-negotiable for leaders hoping to “go the distance.”
- Give Back to Your Community
This is a more specific way to find meaning outside work in an unselfish, fulfilling way. It’s also a way to build a rapport within your team, if your organization chooses to offer “service days” or other forms of charity. Engaging with others as a volunteer can help you gain perspective on your own role and place in the world, not just within your organization.
- Commit to Continuous Improvement
Many leaders embrace the philosophy of continuous improvement at the organizational level. That done, it’s no leap at all to do so at the individual level, provided you clearly communicate expectations and process to your team (and yourself). If you invite those you lead to set their sights higher, most will readily accept the challenge.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen that the hallmarks of thoughtful and well-rounded leadership include humility, openness to input, balance between personal and professional endeavors, and a drive toward continuous improvement.
You may have your own items to add to this list. After all, every leader charts their own course. By simply aspiring to go above and beyond the “traditional” definition of leadership, you’ll find yourself already in exclusive company.
