The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
What makes a good leader?
Ask any entrepreneur and you’ll likely get different (though quite similar) answers. You may have heard that a good leader is strong, decisive, confident, and honest. Or possibly you think about a “good” leader to be optimistic, creative and forward-thinking.
After greater than 20 years as a CEO, I can say that my definition of “leader” has evolved over time. Facing challenges, resolving personal conflicts, making mistakes, and overcoming burnout will do just that. So, while I do not claim to know the textbook definition of leadership, I can share what I consider essential when it involves being a positive, compassionate leader. I learned that entrepreneurial leadership spans every sector of business.
1. Set intentional habits
A pacesetter is someone who consciously follows his or her habits. Whether you are a ‘climb and grind’ type or prefer a more leisurely pace, you’ve got been wondering the way you manage your day, your health and your online business.
As an entrepreneur, routine is the most significant thing to me – not because I would like set blocks of time, but because if I didn’t prioritize what’s vital to me would fall by the wayside. By establishing intentional habits, I know that in addition to my work responsibilities, I have created time for my physical and mental health, family, and recreation.
Without intention, we risk falling victim to bad habits. Distraction and avoidance develop into our failure. An excellent leader knows their priorities, directs energy towards activities that may have the biggest impact, and manages their time, not the other way around.
2. Practice radical honesty
I first learned about radical honesty in Brad Blanton’s book. And it was really hard for me at first. I spotted how often I used “little white lies” excuses to ease my discomfort and avoid conflict. However, this was of no profit to me or my team.
Through practice, I have learned that radical honesty is about prioritizing transparency, even when it is uncomfortable. It does not imply to be brutally honest (you’ll be able to tell the truth without hurting others), but maintaining open communication and sensitivity. Radical honesty leads to raised conflict resolution and further improvement of a leader’s character. It also builds trust in the team.
Many business owners imagine that to be effective, you have to be direct and even harsh. In fact, a great leader speaks the truth with compassion while searching for to know the perspectives of those around him. In my opinion, radical honesty is essential if you ought to resolve conflict the right way, not the easy way.
3. Generosity over personal gain
As business owners, many of us are drawn to the appeal of financial gain. And while this is not inherently bad, setting your tunnel vision on profit alone can blind you to more personally lucrative and soul-giving opportunities.
I actually imagine that what you give comes back to you in dividends, not all the time in the form of financial rewards, but as personal growth, friendships and life experiences. An excellent leader understands that generosity is more vital and influential than financial earnings alone.
Give to your community, your team, your mates and family. Whether it’s through service, donations, sharing knowledge, or providing profession advancement, you may feel a stronger sense of purpose than being a for-profit entrepreneur.
4. Meet challenges with compassion
A pacesetter is someone who is not afraid of challenges. At the same time, a leader does not face challenges with aggressive persistence, but with a compassionate, thoughtful approach that takes into account many aspects and perspectives. Resolving conflict this manner is difficult, but that is the measure of an intentional, self-aware leader.
First, a great leader does not destroy other people’s perspectives. They take the time to hearken to concerns, consider information and take actions that are appropriate for the organization as a whole. Sometimes which means knowing when to say “no” – even to yourself.
At the same time, the leader does not blame himself for past failures. They treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn, overcome and develop. It’s much more productive to channel optimistic energy into your furniture efforts quite than focusing on the past.
Leadership means compassion for others and yourself, even when decision-making is difficult and mistakes are inevitable.
5. Know your limits
A pacesetter is not infallible. You have skills, but you furthermore may have limitations. An excellent leader is capable of recognize the abilities in others and know when to maneuver away from actions that now not serve him.
This does not imply delegating simply to lighten your workload, but knowing your limitations and finding complement from others. Very often, there are people you think of who are ready and capable of step as much as the next level and prove their skills.
As CEO, I had to search out the (*5*) This is the one that tells me when I’ve gotten in my very own way and when it is time to assign responsibility to better-equipped team members. It prevents me from getting caught up in the weeds quite than focusing on the priorities that matter most to my business at a high level.
A pacesetter knows what he is good at, what he is not so good at, and when to permit others to step in.
Every leader is different. And while the basic principles of honesty, integrity and team management come into play, the exact skills will vary from individual to individual. I encourage every entrepreneur to look at their leadership style and define their very own “essence” – what is non-negotiable, if you’ll. Remember that they could change over time, but following your intention is all the time the solution to maximize your impact.