If a leader only manages and directs, the work cannot be completed. A leader must light the fire of enthusiasm in others. But, to inspire others, the leader must first be inspired himself. It is impossible to make others feel excited when the leader's own fire of enthusiasm is extinguished.
If a leader only manages and directs, the work cannot be completed. A leader must light the fire of enthusiasm in others. But, to inspire others, the leader must first be inspired himself. It is impossible to make others feel excited when the leader's own fire of enthusiasm is extinguished.
Kristi Hedges, a business consultant, said so. She founded Hedge, a company that trains CEOs and entrepreneurs on how to communicate both internally and externally. She was named one of the 50 most important women in business in Washington, DC.
She gave 6 characteristics that a good leader must have:
- Great leaders are intentional about what they communicate and the response they seek. Being an inspirational leader does not happen by accident. Every great leader has the ability to see the important points in a situation and communicate them to others, while still keeping their goals in mind.
- Good leaders are self-aware and trustworthy. Motivational leaders like to feel understood by others. They pay attention to their own body language and that of others to make sure their intentions are clear. Good leaders don’t try to be someone they’re not. They know who they are and use that awareness to attract others to them. They try to be themselves rather than trying to be someone else.
- Great leaders create strong personal connections: We are drawn to people for who they are, not for their titles like CEO, boss, or CEO. Great leaders take the time to really get to know people – whether they are customers, employees, partners, or friends – to build lasting relationships. They remember their employees’ children’s names and ask about their weekend activities. Even when talking to a large group of people, they make connections based on common characteristics and establish commonalities.
- Great leaders listen. Listening is a gift you give to others. Most leaders talk too much and listen too little. Inspirational leaders make people feel heard, whether they agree with what they hear or not. They give the impression of being attentive, not of listening when in fact their heads are in the clouds.
- Leaders admit failure: Leaders often feel pressure to be perfect, to always behave in the right way, to give the right answers, and to hide any weaknesses. Why? Because people notice the weaknesses of others. Inspirational leaders don’t hide failures, they admit them and see them as learning experiences.
- They are storytellers: People don’t remember lists of facts, they remember stories. Humans are storytellers. We use stories to create understanding for ourselves. Stories create lasting connections. Leaders share stories to make a point and motivate others.
Pearl River – According to Kristi Hedges – Entrepreneur
