What do all great leaders have in common? They have 7 leadership behaviours that get results and that work in any scenario where there’s a leader.

Yes thats right!

From CEO’s to Professors or teachers- yes!

The leader of your small group at church or facilitator of a book club? yes yes yes!

So what are the 7 leadership behaviours that get results?

These are the behaviours that are necessary for every leader:

1. Build relationships.
2. Develop people.
3. Lead change.
4. Inspire others.
5. Think critically.
6. Communicate clearly.
7. Create accountability.

Being able to do these seven things well can be the biggest differentiator between being an average leader and an exceptional leader.

1. Build relationships. The concept of “leadership” cannot exist apart from a group of people who need to be led. Simply put, leaders can’t lead unless someone follows, which means that building strong relationships is key, and people need to connect with each other. They need to share trust and have relationships to thrive. It is important to recognize the value of people, seek to know them for who they are and build lasting connections.

2. Develop people. Do the people you’re leading, coaching, teaching, etc., feel like they’re growing? Most people know that if they’re not growing, they’re not getting closer to success. Then, it’s only a matter of time before they leave your organisation ……. for someone who gets them closer to their goals. Every day, those people have a chance to either get a little bit better at what they do, or not. Development is key here.

3. Lead change. The keyword being “lead.” Much is expected of you as a leader to keep moving forward, ensuring that the purpose, mission and vision remain the same. It’s OK (and good) for you to charge your followers with some responsibility for change. Let them come up with good ideas, better ways of doing things or smarter processes. It will help them take ownership for helping with the right kind of change. Ownership is key for “Followship”. Every individual is able to see an opportunity and take initiative and set a goal and create a plan to get there. It’s your job to set an example for that.

4. Inspire others. This is where many leaders fall down. Leaders should provide inspiration so that others can find greater meaning in a vision or purpose. Without meaning, and without connecting inspiration to the individuals who follow you, you’ll find that those who follow will have a difficult time committing themselves to the greater purpose. This can be in the organization, classroom, small group or otherwise and this expectation helps people see that every little thing they do matters.

5. Think critically. Aimless decision-making and feeble thinking have no place in leadership. Or, at least, they shouldn’t be the type of thinking that influences final decisions. Evaluating plans, understanding risk, organizing thoughts and creating action steps requires leaders to bring their whole selves and think critically. Success requires establishing an aim and devising a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to achieving it.

6. Communicate clearly. Learn the best way you communicate. Be aware of the best way you communicate. The next step is key, learn how other people like you to communicate with them. Not the other way round. Share information and ideas that matter. Effective communication means you’ll need to convey compelling information that leads to more informed actions and decision-making. Don’t think of communication just as telling your followers things, but think of it as sharing information, asking questions, listening and brainstorming. These are all important forms of clear communication in leadership.

7. Create accountability. Every person is accountable for something. But this is especially true for leaders. Responsibility is expected of leaders. It should also be expected of those who follow you. You expect the students at your fitness class to bring the right equipment, you expect that your employees are held accountable for their deadlines, and so on. A culture of accountability starts with you. In practice, this may look like openly committing to initiatives, plans or ideas so that everyone knows what you’re responsible for. It may also look like you apologizing to those you lead, when you drop the ball in a significant way. Accountability creates a better environment for your followers and allows them opportunities to become more efficient and creative through their own responsibilities.

Do you use the 7 leadership behaviours that get great results?

How do you know that you are using these behaviours?

Are you clear which ones you are fantastic at and those – perhaps not so much?

Do you know which tools you can use to improve your leadership?

Which of your strengths can help you here?

If you are not crystal clear about this, come and have a chat with me at The Professionals Coach and let me show you how you can improve your leadership and enhance your work life.