There is a lot of discussion about what makes a great leader. With a great leader at the helm of a company, businesses of any size are able to thrive. But what do leaders really need to be effective? Dr Adam Harrison, Executive Coach, Leadership Trainer, Non-Executive Director, Charity Trustee, Company Founder and Healthcare Business Advisor, discusses the six must-have ingredients of exceptional leaders.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Yet, becoming a great leader requires more than just technical skills or positional authority. Exceptional leaders are those who cultivate self-leadership, master communication skills through deep active listening, uphold values, practise kindness, demonstrate emotional intelligence and adopt a growth mindset. By integrating these six key ingredients, leaders can inspire, influence and drive meaningful change. Let’s explore each of these essential components in greater detail.

1. Self-leadership: The foundation of great leadership

Andrew Bryant and Ana Luxia Kazan said in their book, Self-Leadership: How to Become a More Successful, Efficient, and Effective Leader from the Inside Out, that: “Self-leadership is the practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, feeling and actions towards your objective/s.”

Charles Manz was the first to use the term ‘self-leadership’ in 1983 and defined it as:

“A comprehensive self-influence perspective that concerns leading oneself”. While Peter Drucker (2010) said that being a self-leader is to serve as chief, captain or CEO of one’s own life.

Before you can lead others effectively, you must first learn to lead yourself. Self-leadership involves cultivating self-discipline, setting personal goals and maintaining focus amidst distractions. It is the ability to take accountability for your actions, recognise your strengths and weaknesses and continuously strive for self-improvement.

Self-leadership is not a one-time effort; it is an ongoing practice that requires self-reflection, resilience and adaptability. Leaders who are adept at self-leadership are more likely to stay grounded during turbulent times, make better decisions and set a powerful example for their teams.

Practical strategies:

• Daily journaling: Reflect on your goals, challenges and accomplishments. Identify areas for improvement and set clear, actionable steps
• Mindful breaks: Incorporate moments of silence or meditation throughout your day to centre yourself and maintain focus.
• Accountability partner: Share your goals with a trusted colleague or mentor who can provide constructive feedback and keep you accountable.

2. Communication skills: The power of deep active listening

Communication is more than the ability to convey information; it is the art of genuinely understanding others. Active listening is a crucial yet often overlooked component of effective communication. Leaders who practise deep active listening create environments where team members feel seen, heard and valued.

Deep active listening involves more than just hearing words. It includes paying attention to non-verbal cues, maintaining eye contact and responding thoughtfully. By demonstrating genuine interest and empathy, leaders can foster trust, resolve conflicts more effectively and drive deeper connections with their teams.

Practical strategies:

• Reflective listening: Paraphrase what the other person has said to confirm your understanding and demonstrate that you are actively engaged.
• Avoid interruptions: Resist the urge to interject or formulate responses while the other person is speaking. Stay present and focused.
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversation by asking questions that invite thoughtful, expansive responses.

3. Values: The guiding compass

Values are the ethical principles that underpin every decision a leader makes. Leaders who are anchored in strong values create a sense of purpose that resonates with their teams and can often foster a culture of integrity and trust.

Identifying and clearly articulating your values enables you to lead with authenticity. When your actions align with your values, you not only inspire loyalty but also cultivate a sense of unity within the organisation. Furthermore, values-driven leaders are better equipped to navigate ethical dilemmas, make tough decisions and maintain credibility in the eyes of their followers.

Practical strategies:

• Define your core values: Take time to articulate the values that matter most to you and consider how they align with your leadership style.
• Live your values: Demonstrate your values through consistent actions, whether by leading with transparency, prioritising fairness or showing compassion.
• Encourage value-driven decision-making: When faced with difficult decisions, ask yourself and your team, “Does this align with our core values?”

4. Kindness: The underestimated leadership trait

In the realm of leadership, kindness is often mistaken for weakness. In reality, it is a powerful tool that fosters deeper connections and enhances team cohesion. Kind leaders show empathy, provide constructive feedback with respect and celebrate their team members’ successes without reservation.

Kindness goes beyond being polite; it is about genuinely caring for your team’s wellbeing and creating a positive, inclusive work environment. Research has shown that when leaders demonstrate kindness, they reduce stress levels, increase employee engagement and even boost productivity.

Practical strategies:

• Express gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the contributions of your team members and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
• Offer support: When team members face challenges, offer your assistance or simply lend a listening ear.
• Show compassion: This is more than just feeling sorry for someone; it’s a feeling that prompts you to act and help, showing kindness and care towards them.
• Be inclusive: Foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued, regardless of rank or position.

5. Emotional intelligence: The key to connecting

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions, both your own and those of others. Leaders with high EI can effectively handle conflict, navigate stressful situations and inspire others with empathy and insight.

Emotionally intelligent leaders can read the emotional cues of their teams, enabling them to respond appropriately to concerns and foster a psychologically safe workplace through having both awareness of their own emotional state and the ability to regulate it.

Practical strategies:

• Self-awareness: Regularly assess your emotional state and identify potential triggers, learning how to control it when necessary.
• Empathy mapping: Try to put yourself in the shoes of others, to better understand their perspectives and feelings.
• Feedback loops: Encourage open feedback to gain insights into how your leadership style affects others emotionally.

6. Growth mindset: Embrace continuous learning

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and knowledge can be developed through dedication and hard work. Leaders with growth mindsets view setbacks as learning opportunities and encourage their teams to take calculated risks, embrace challenges and innovate.

This mindset fosters resilience, curiosity and a culture of continuous learning. Rather than fearing failure, growth-minded leaders see it as a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Practical strategies:

• Encourage risk-taking: Create a safe space for your team to try new approaches without fear of reprimand.
• Set learning goals: Instead of focusing solely on performance outcomes, set goals that prioritise learning and skill acquisition.
• Celebrate effort: Recognise and reward efforts and progress, not just results.

Conclusion: Unleash your leadership potential

Effective leadership is not a destination, but a journey of continuous growth and development. By integrating the six key ingredients of self-leadership, communication skills, values, kindness, emotional intelligence and a growth mindset, leaders can inspire their teams, foster trust and drive positive change.

Dr Adam Harrison can be found at www.dradamharrison.com and www.linkedin.com/in/dradamharrison/ and contacted via [email protected]