In the dynamic landscape of leadership, success is often attributed to a combination of skills, traits, and qualities. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for effective leadership, I have found three key elements that have consistently emerged as cornerstones for me achieving success as a leader: effort, empathy, and expectations. In this post, we will explore how these interconnected factors play a pivotal role in shaping a successful leader and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Effort
Leadership success begins with a commitment to continuous effort. Many people think leadership comes natural, but most are just seeing people who put forth effort as effort shines outwardly to an organization. Successful leaders are those who demonstrate a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a willingness to go the extra mile. It is seen by those around you and energizes high performing teams.
Empathy
Empathy isn’t often viewed as strong as it should be. For me, the term “tactical empathy” from Jocko Willink is how empathy should be used. Understanding the feelings of others and using them in all facets of business is critical to success. Leaders who are empathetic create a positive and inclusive work environment where team members feel heard, valued, and understood, fostering strong interpersonal connections and enhancing morale. This allows a leader to think tactically and be positioned to make informed decisions that consider diverse needs and perspectives from all involved.
Expectations
Leaders must be able to articulate a compelling vision and set achievable goals that align with both organizational objectives and individual team members’ aspirations. This is crucial every time a leader communicates. Each meeting, a leader should control expectation before, during, and after. Establishing expectations provides a roadmap for success and ensures that everyone is working towards a common purpose.
Effort, empathy, and expectations are not isolated concepts but interconnected threads that weave together the fabric of successful leadership. Aspiring leaders should embrace these three elements as guiding principles on their journey towards becoming effective and influential leaders in their respective fields.