I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with several truly inspirational leaders so far in my life. These leaders have inspired me to be a better person, strive to make a significant difference in the world around me and keep pressing forward. I’ve been thinking about what true leadership looks like and how it plays out when leading a team, fostering client relationships and growing a business. I’ve also been thinking about how I’m leading myself …
Right now, when I think of the future, I think about how to keep my team happy, engaged, and giving their best. I think about how to keep my clients happy and thriving and where our business will go in the future. I also think about my individual future, my personal goals and where the next weeks, months, and years will take me.
Am I Doing Leadership ‘Right’?
It’s easy to feel lost or unsure sometimes. I wonder if I’m doing things right. I wonder where I could improve and where I’m doing well. Am I leading my team and empowering them to be their best selves? Am I investing enough time? Am I listening enough?
Eventually the above thoughts led me to think about which books I should read to answer these questions and improve. I’ve also started thinking about the influential leaders that I’ve been able to work with in my life so far …
- What made them so inspirational?
- What made them leaders?
- How did they impact?
- What can I learn from them and apply right now?
With these questions in mind, I did some reflecting. The result was encouraging! Although I’m looking forward to reading more about leadership and team building, it turns out that I’ve had some great first-hand examples of inspirational and affective leadership. So, here’s my list of 10 traits that make up an inspirational leader, gained from first-hand experience. I hope they help inspire you …
10 Traits of Truly Inspirational and Effective Leaders
1. They invest in themselves.
2. They listen.
3. They make time to keep healthy.
4. They wake up early.
5. They make time for family.
6. They read.
7. They have strong character.
8. They like to have fun.
9. They are humble.
10. They invest time and resources into mentoring others.
I’ve seen these traits exemplified first-hand and can attest to their power to influence and effectively lead teams regardless of size. Thinking back, I’ve had at least half a dozen truly inspirational and affective leadership examples. The majority of which were experienced throughout my college years as part of a leadership team at The Chapel in Akron.
Leadership Examples: Reflect and Gain Inspiration …
I’m realizing that although books and blogs on leadership are important, more than likely we’ve each experienced examples of inspirational and effective leadership first hand … we just have to take the time to reflect. I hope you’ll take some time to think back on the leaders you’ve been blessed to know and make a list of the qualities those leaders exemplified. Use that list as a roadmap of sorts as you move forward in your goals for 2014.
I hope the above list and the list you create on your own will be an encouragement to you! It definitely has been to me …
What qualities do you think are essential for a leader to possess? Have you known someone that you would consider a truly inspirational and affective leader?
