It's not about you!

What makes a leader a good leader? What attributes would you see and not see? It's a personal view I suppose but in my 30 year corporate career I've seen many good leaders but I've also seen some shockers! However their behaviours and styles definitely make it easy to decide which bucket they sit in.

So let's start with the shockers. I'm sure we've all seen them. The leaders that make it all about them and massaging their ego. The special parking space, the biggest office, talking about themselves most of the time, yet not really capable of listening actively to others views and opinions; they just listen to reply, not to understand. They are always right, do most of the talking and seem to have a 'mask' on so you're not really sure who they are and what they REALLY think. They network well and have probably got the role because of who they know and not always what they know which isn't always a bad thing but can make people doubt their ability to perform the role; have they got the 'stripes' to do the do? They tend to play at people focused activity because they know they have to but it's not their natural style. They are much happier in the Board room talking business and getting the job done! They don't always grasp the importance of bringing people with them, inspiring them to follow them and go the extra mile. Their communication style is on a need to know basis and believe the people can just get on with the 'to do' list without knowing the important stuff.

So what does good leadership look like? The two greatest qualities in a leader in my book are authenticity and humility. Be you, and you only, and show some vulnerabilities. No-one gets it right all the time and sharing this with your people will make you accessible and more normal to them. We are all the same - we just have different jobs to do.

Listen to understand not to reply. A great leader does not have to be talking all the time, but listen to their people and what is working and what needs changing. Most organisations have all the answers they need within their teams. The biggest mistake leaders make is just not asking them or listening when their people tell them what needs changing.

Communication, communication, communication! Share what you can but be clear there will always be information that can't be shared more widely; however when it can be shared it will be. Your people will then trust that you are sharing all you can and won't start telling them stories within the communication void that many leaders fall into the trap of. This is all linked to treating your teams like adults. They can cope with bad news; it's better they know and then have time to plan their next steps than be lied to and treated like a child.

So really to be a great leader, you need to realise that it's not all about you. It's all about your people. Leading them to inspire them, gain their respect and loyalty, and help them be the best they can be because if you have talented people focused on the right strategy and goals, then your business will thrive. and that will get you noticed more than the big office and the flash car!