Do you have what it takes to be a great leader?
It helps if you excel at communicating. And, of course, you need to be adept at planning, problem-solving, and delegating. You also need to be capable of navigating any and all challenges that arise.
Beyond these skills, though, the qualities that set great leaders apart are more elusive and can at times appear otherworldly. Exceptional leaders possess a certain X-factor that makes it seem as though they inherently know what to do.
But according to Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill, one of the world’s top experts on leadership, star leaders aren’t born with superhuman capabilities. Rather, they tend to have intentionally put themselves in situations where they have to learn, adapt, and grow — a crucible for developing the tenacity and fortitude to motivate and guide others.
“Leadership is a process of self-development, she says. “No one can teach you how to lead; you need to be willing and able to learn how to lead. Mostly we learn from our experiences and facing adversity. Stepping outside of the spaces where we feel safe — is a powerful teacher.”
Here are what Hill says are the top eight most important qualities for successful leadership — along with ideas on how to cultivate them.
Authenticity: Being genuine and true to yourself is crucial for success in any role. As a leader, embodying your best self is not only highly effective but also inspiring to those around you. According to Hill, your competence alone is not enough; people must trust your character and connect with you. This understanding is deeply tied to self-awareness. You must create the conditions for your success and actively seek feedback to improve without becoming defensive.
Curiosity: Curiosity is a mindset essential for leadership. Great leaders have an "outside-in" perspective, considering viewpoints beyond internal dynamics. Foster your curiosity by being open to new experiences, asking questions, and reflecting on personal passions. Embrace ambitious thinking and explore uncharted territories to nurture curiosity.
Analytical Prowess: Leadership requires the ability to analyze complex problems and develop fresh solutions. Trusting your gut is not enough; you must develop analytical skills by focusing on cause-and-effect relationships and being data-informed. Dive into the complexity of data collection, understand its implications, and actively decode hidden stories within the data.
Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, leaders must adapt to evolving demands. Strengthen your adaptability by seeking experiences that demand flexibility and venturing beyond your comfort zone. Embrace new challenges and opportunities to foster personal growth and development.
Creativity: True innovation stems from diverse perspectives and an environment that nurtures creativity. As a leader, establish an environment that encourages diverse viewpoints and embraces learning from failure. Encourage and promote creativity among your team members to drive innovation.
Comfort with Ambiguity: Effective leaders navigate ambiguity by holding conflicting ideas and dealing with competing priorities. Cultivate a systems mindset that helps you understand the interconnectedness of different dynamics. Embrace ambiguity by asking "what ifs" and establishing practices for reflection to navigate uncertainty effectively.
Resilience: Resilient leaders recognize the fluid nature of situations and exhibit the resilience to recalibrate when necessary. Cultivate resilience by taking on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone and volunteering for roles where success is not guaranteed. Learn to regroup and seek input from others to navigate through challenges effectively.
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others on an emotional level is essential for strong leadership. Foster relationships, build trust, and actively engage with your team members. Deliberately seek out perspectives from different backgrounds to build understanding and connection, creating conditions for mutual success. Develop emotional intelligence to appreciate the complex challenges others face and create a supportive environment for your team.
According to Hill, becoming a great leader is a journey of continuous learning and growth. It’s a process — one that thrives on embracing challenges, seeking feedback, fostering connections, and cultivating understanding. “Your goal is to develop the mindset, behaviors, and relationships that allow you to take on challenges and opportunities and do extraordinary things,” she says.
According to: Rebecca Knight (HBR)
