One lesson I have learned over the years is that if you want to run a successful business, you need a team to back you up. Even if you start the business on your own, you will need a team. The team members may not to be directly employed but you need them nonetheless. Financiers, investors, lawyers, accountants and other advisers. Later, your first employee and before long, a whole group of them. Before you know it you will a whole team towards the common goal you set for your company.
Now, there are many traits a good leader must posses but in my opinion the most important one is that he or she can paint a clear and compelling vision. Good leaders can clearly communicate this vision to everyone involved. Doing so they create a group of people who just want to be part of this vision.
But what sets apart a good leader from an outstanding one?
I truly believe that inspiring others is the secret to become an outstanding leader. Whether they know it or not, I believe that people who achieve superstar status in their chosen field are very good at profoundly inspiring people and help them to grow to their full potential.
So what does it take to become an inspiring leader? Here are the top ten traits I believe will make you an inspiration to everyone around you. People will admire you and flock to you for advice. Consequently you will be a magnet for success.
Vision – People are inspired by someone who knows where they want to go, what winning looks like and who put a great deal of action in place to get there.
Authentic – Be your true self, imperfections and all. Be honest, open and sincere. It will build trust and it will inspire people.
Vulnerable – Inspiring leaders show vulnerability. They never claim to know it all. They openly say if they don’t know how to get to their goal, they seek help instead. People will be able to relate to you much easier.
Care – Inspiring leaders truly believe in their people. They have faith in them and they let them know. Theodore Roosevelt’s quote comes to mind. Nobody cares how much you know until you show how much you care.
Empower – Rather then Micromanaging people give them a direction, a timeline and the authority to act. You will be in awe just how much respect you gain.
Optimistic – Being enthusiastic and optimistic conveys a lot of positive energy. Truly believe in people and have faith that they will rise to the occasion.
Courageous – We all have something we are afraid of or something that is holding us back. If we see people who face their fears and act despite of it are inspiring to almost anyone.
Transparent – Inspiring Leaders always put everything on the table. Even if things go wrong. If mistakes are made they acknowledge them, they look for solutions and they learn from them. They never ever look for anyone to blame. There is no gossip and talking behind peoples back.
Ethical – Making ethical decisions is a highly valued but rare thing in today’s business world. People will rally behind you if you make tough calls over the easy but unethical route.
Determined – People who consistently and consequently go their way no matter how strong the resistance is, are motivating. They show a never give up attitude and keep fighting even when everyone has long but given up.
Of course there are many more traits inspiring people show but these are my favorites. If you want to be highly successful then pick your top two or three. Focus on consciously adjusting your actions accordingly. Once they become second nature then pick a few more and do the same thing. Before long you will be an inspiring leader who makes a lot of positive impact in peoples lives and consequently become more successful and valued yourself.