How to be the Leader you Always Wanted to be

So you've been promoted, perhaps to a senior post, and people are looking to you for leadership and direction.

The reality is that many don't really know how to be the kind of leader they want to be. They have noble aspirations, and they know that qualities such as honesty and emotional intelligence play key roles, but they can't escape the feeling that something more is needed.

I have been evaluating, coaching, mentoring, facilitating and empowering leaders across diverse sectors and at all levels for many years. Over that time, I have identified a list of the qualities that are shared by the very best.

Here are some tips that will help you to be the best you can be, and to enjoy your leadership journey more:

Tip #1 - Create and communicate a compelling vision

Leaders look to the future. Whilst they must address issues and opportunities here and now, they rise above the immediate and see how things can be in years to come.

The visions they set are inspiring, and they know how to communicate them in such a way that people are willing to join them on the journey. This is not about being an extrovert; it is about understanding how to identify what really matters and how to share the vision with others in ways that connect with authenticity.

Tip #2 - Develop awareness of self, others and the wider environment

No one is strong in every area. Highly effective leaders know where their strengths and weaknesses lie, and they do not pretend to always have the answer (if they did, what are their teams there for?).

They also understand their own and others' motivations, reactions to stress and conflict, go-to behaviours at work, and the effects of overdoing those behaviours.

In addition, they have a wide perspective that helps them see the bigger picture, i.e., they are strategic thinkers who can spot emerging patterns and trends ahead of others.

"[Ian] has been an outstanding coach and has guided us smoothly while we thrived as a team. His insightful approach to each team member during our program has been remarkable." – Ebru Can Temucin, Executive Director (Finance), MSD (Pharmaceuticals)

Tip #3 - Flex your leadership style

One size does not fit all. Whilst we all have a preferred leadership style, ranging from autocratic to laissez-faire, effective leaders will vary their style according to the needs of the task, team, individual and wider environment.

One of the most common mistakes I have observed surfaces when I ask leaders how they treat their board/team members, and they reply with words like: "I just treat them how I want to be treated." This makes the often fatal assumption that they want to be treated the same way.

Note: The awareness generated in 'Tip 2' should inform the choice of style.

Tip #4 - Be decisive

There is little more poisonous to leadership performance than indecisiveness. This unfairly puts a burden on junior managers or teams to work out what to do and seriously undermines the leader's credibility. Make firm decisions and communicate them clearly.

Note that this does not mean act rashly. Use the resources available to arrive at the best decision, but ensure you do so in a timely manner.

“I highly recommend Ian as a top leadership coach. Over the past 12 months, he has been a key figure in my professional growth, offering insightful guidance and personalised strategies. His expertise in leadership principles, coupled with a supportive coaching style, has helped me navigate challenges effectively." – Stefnir Stefnisson, Director at AlixPartners

Tip #5 - Be courageous

Do what is right, even if it is unpopular. If people understand that you can be trusted to do so, you will have gone a long way to establishing yourself as a true leader in their hearts and minds.

Great leaders will listen and change their plans if it is wise to do so, but they will not shy from making tough calls when necessary. You will know you have this trait when it costs something to do so.

Finally -

It is the combination of the above tips that sets apart outstanding leaders from the rest.

The good news is that each of these skills can be learnt. I have many years of experience in coaching, mentoring, evaluating and facilitating leaders to help them achieve their full potential.

Clients, such as those quoted above, are equipped to approach every day and situation with the clarity, confidence and satisfaction that comes from having the tools to address the issues and opportunities that arise.

Get in touch today for a no-obligation discussion and take the first step to releasing YOUR full potential.

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