Being a leader means displaying certain key qualities. This is the second in a series of posts on leadership qualities; it focuses on confidence, courage, and inspiration. As Napoleon said: “A leader is a dealer in hope.” It’s up to small business owners to inspire their staff to do great things.
Why confidence, courage, and inspiration matter
Ask employees what they want from the owners of their company or their managers and you’ll find that they want to know their higher-ups are passionate about what they do. This helps employees feel they are part of something that matters. And when problems arise (e.g., a recession), employees want to believe their leaders will figure things out and help them get through.
How can you develop these leadership qualities?
It’s your actions that demonstrate to your staff you have the qualities of confidence, courage, and inspiration. It requires consistency in how you perform.
Bain Inspirational Leadership System has a list of 33 traits related to being an inspirational leader. These included developing your inner resources and self-regard. According to Harvard Business Review, “you need only one of them to double your chances of being an inspirational leader.” So think of who great a leader you would be if you develop two or more of these traits.
And as a business owner you undoubtedly have a vision for where you see your business in the future. Sharing that vision can motivate your employees to work toward achieving it too.
Final thought
Let me close with another quote, this one from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Your staff wants that; it’s up to you to be that very kind of leader. Next month’s developing leadership qualities focuses on listening and communicating effectively.
