LEADERSHIP
5 Human Concepts to be a Better Leader
Simplicity can have an extraordinary impact
I’ve interviewed dozens of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to determine what made them effective.
Likeable was one surprising discovery.
How simple I thought.
We often lose sight of the simple things with sales, costs, revenues or the bottom line at the forefront of our mind in business.
Why? I thought.
Can likeability actually help leaders/entrepreneurs to be more successful?
That depends on how you measure success.
This article is as much about leadership as it is about humans. Below are five principles to become a better leader, a better person.
1. Shut up and Listen
You have two ears and one mouth, what does that tell you?
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” — Ernest Hemingway
The foundation of any good relationship is grounded in listening skills.
The best leaders listen and do so emphatically. They want to know what their employees and customers need, what they want, what they think.
So they listen.
They want to hear about the challenges that customers and employees face.
They listen to new ideas too. Why? because they care.
2. Transparency
There’s nowhere to hide today. The business world is on its knees. We’re all naked, stripped bare here folks.
Entrepreneurs, businessmen, and women who keep secrets will be exposed. It’s already happening. Millennials will remember and they’ll call you out.
“You have no greater leverage than the truth.” — John Whittier
Honesty and openness create a happy environment — content employees, trusting customers — where confidence flows.
It’s that simple.
Transparent leaders sleep easier at night too.
Lying or twisting the truth causes stress. Worrying about what you said, when and to who is banished (unless you're a narcissist).
A happy leader is a productive leader and followers feel it.
3. Authenticity
Integrity is the essence of great leadership. Authentic leaders are who they say they are. No bullshit. They don’t have time for mind games.
Humility is the hallmark of an authentic leader. It attracts positive energy. Employees, customers, or anyone else for that matter will help an authentic person to succeed. It’s that powerful.
The internet has blurred the boundaries between one’s public persona and private self. The leaders of tomorrow’s know this. They’re courageous and embrace their entire being — personal and professional lives.
They’re okay with being vulnerable. To be vulnerable is to be human.
4. Passion
Passion is an incredible force. Those who love what they do never work a day in their lives.
“The only way to do great work is to love the work you do.” — Steve Jobs
Entrepreneurs and leaders who bring passion to their organization are at an advantage because passion is contagious. Employees and customers exposed to this energy respond in kind.
Passion will impact more than just your bottom line.
5. Gratitude
Great leaders know the impact, the importance of gratitude. They’re forever grateful to the people who contribute to their success.
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” — Gilbert Chesterton
Saying thank you is beyond measure. It's free, always well-received by employees, mentors, customers, and other stakeholders.
Being humble makes you feel great too!
Treat others as you would like to be treated!
By showing appreciation, leaders gain respect. Recognizing or holding others in esteem is a likable trait. What’s more, it motivates others to work with you, not for you.
They’ll go above and beyond.
So simple, yet so rare.
Final Thoughts
These principles are beyond simple, yet many leaders are more concerned with themselves and/or money. They fail to embrace the power of basic human needs, necessities.
Think about it.
To conclude, I’m not going to list takeaways. Nah. I’ll leave you with a couple of questions to sleep on:
- What makes you likable?
- What principles are important to you?
Remember, leadership is never about you. If you’re a leader your only function is to develop and benefit others. Period.
Are you likable?
