Four Essential Behaviors Every Leader Must Master
In the hustle and bustle of leadership, it's not just about wielding power or barking orders like a drill sergeant (although some of us might have some fond memories of this). No, no, no! If you are an aspiring leader, it's about mastering a balance of behaviors that inspire, empower, and elevate your team to greatness.
BEHAVIORS. This is what I’m talking about. Not just blurting out leadership studies and concepts. It’s about behaviors!
Ok, moving on.
This balance of this dance is so important as you learn more about who you are so you can lead yourself in a better direction!
Listen to Your Team
The sweet burst of brilliance from your team members should fill you with joy! But for many leaders, it’s just a frustrating thing to listen to.
But why? Should we be excited that our team members are sharing their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives?
The act of listening is a crucial skill to master. The ability to keep quiet while someone shares why they think something what they plan on doing or what they like or don’t like is powerful.
Let’s amplify that by addressing that sometimes the act of listening is made harder when someone says things you disagree with. But while you may disagree with some of the things they are saying, they might just be trying to tell you something deep that you need to pay attention to.
Our ears are not just for hearing, but for listening and paying attention to these ideas is something that cultivates trust, fosters collaboration, and avoids the pitfalls of the same leadership behaviors we have seen time and time again.
For real.
It’s not about concepts and textbooks things, it’s about intentionality with our listening.
Encourage Innovation (3 ways to do it)
Innovation isn't just about inventing the next groundbreaking gadget or revolutionizing an entire industry (although, that would be nice).
It's actually about nurturing a culture where creativity can flourish and make way for innovation. It’s not about forcing innovation but giving the environment the little things it needs—like sunshine, water, and patience.
Let’s double-click on that.
The Sunshine
Sunshine: When I say sunshine I’m talking about highlighting the efforts that people make and celebrating the small wins. It’s about letting everyone actually see that those kinds of efforts will be praised and invited.
Many leaders tend to undersell our progress or even ignore it altogether.
The need for celebration, however, is crucial for team development.
Can you imagine working tirelessly to hit a goal, day in, day out, and after 6 and a half years not knowing how close you are to the mark?
I mean even typing that last sentence was a bit tough to stomach.
A team that celebrates small wins tends to pursue more wins. Even something small and silly like a high-five and a “two days down” goes a long way. I have even taken what are normal tasks and purposefully broken them down into bite-size chunks that can be used to show progress. This way my people know we are working towards something.
The increase in morale and motivation is itself a reward because after all, what's the point of working incredibly hard if you can't take a moment to bask in the spotlight and revel in your achievements?
The Water
Water: When someone is or is not on the right track we have to give them some water and let them know we are here for them. As a leader, we have to do better at coaching our people in the right direction. Using our comments or praise or feedback that says “You’re on the right track keep going” Is the water people on our teams need.
The thing about coaching someone is that we have to see the potential in them. And if we look hard enough it’s easy to find the potential in people, much easier than you think. Once you see it then you have a decision to make as a leader.
Do I help them? Or do I let someone else help?
There is no sure way of knowing that person will find it all on their own, but with our help they can, and they will. Because we’ll coach them.
The Patience
Patience gets a section all on its own.
Practicing patience (like a gardener) is something I have been able to develop that has brought incredible results. In all facets of my life, patience continues to be one of those consistent and impermeable forces that drive results. You cannot force results and if you do you’ll end up like Oedipus.
In a world that moves at the speed of light, it's easy to succumb to the wildly frenetic pace and demand immediate results. There’s an app here, an app there, an app everywhere!
True leaders understand the value of patience. Remember, however, that while you can portray the exterior behavior of patience this doesn’t mean you ignore how you feel inside when deadlines are coming and when you feel things are running behind.
That’s a normal feeling.
But I will say that you should take a step back, breathe deeply, and embrace the ebb and flow of the water. What’s that saying about Rome not being built in one day? Neither is a cohesive, high-performing team.
So, chill out and do what you can to remain patient. Your team is going to need to see this from you to grow.
The Plan
Remember that leadership is not just a title or a position of authority—it's a balancing act of behaviors.
So, Here’s the plan.
Pick one of the three listed above. Do that one thing for four weeks.
Track your progress. Observe your team’s behaviors.
Shift slightly if you need to so everyone is bought in.
Move to the second on the list.
Repeat.
And as the doctor says, call me in the morning.
Well, you know what I mean…share this with someone you know who thinks like you and will apply it!
I’m already excited about the progress you’re making by trying to expand your leadership journey.
**high-five**