7 Qualities of Remarkably Well-Liked Leaders
I've
had my share f leadership challenges over the years.
I'll
never forget the time an employee who I called into work brought in
the balloons she was tying up for her son's birthday party and
decided to start throwing them on the floor of my office. It was a
total meltdown. I should have asked a bit more about what she was
doing instead of demanding that she come into work. (In my own
defense: She probably could have offered up that information on her
own.)
I
was never a hated a boss, but there were times when my decisions led
to employees disagreeing with me, arguing with me, and challenging my
thinking.
Iwish
I had known how to deal with those challenges, but in many ways I
just didn't develop these qualities. In recent years, I've met with
many company founders and leaders in business, carefully noting what
makes them so likeable. Here's what I've found out.
1. They ask detailed questions.
In
my example of the employee who came into work and had a big fit, I
didn't ask questions about why she wasn't available. Good leaders
know how to do that. Before making a command or directing the work
force, a good leader asks for more information. That kind of leader
is easy to like because we all like passing on information and no one
likes dealing with a tyrant who just tells us what to do.
2. They empathize.
One
of my challenges as an introvert leader had to do with a failure to
empathize. I've seen how a friend of mine runs his own business by
always asking how people are feeling. How was your evening with the
kids? Are you feeling OK about this project? What can I do to make
your job easier and not so stressful? He asks about their personal
life. Good leaders see employees as people. That creates a chain
reaction as employees recognize that you also have feelings. They
will empathize (and like) you.
3. They are curious to learn new skills.
A
CEO I met in San Francisco once had this skill in spades--and every
other card-playing suit. He just seemed curious about everything, and
it was obviously contagious since his staff had the same thirst for
knowledge. When a leader has this skill, it means they are open to
anything--including criticism, feedback, and ideas from employees. It
makes the leader well liked because he isn't a closed book no one can
read.
4. They enjoy life.
Leadership
by anxiety doesn't work. The best leaders I've met in business always
seem to think life is just a big old joy ride and nothing ever fazed
them. They don't get that stressed-out about projects or money. It
makes them likeable because everyone around them realizes they can be
part of that kind of outlook and learn how to have the same attitude.
They can join you on the joy ride.
5. They listen.
Talk,
talk, talk. Gab, gab, gab. Bad leaders always have something to say
and they force employees to hear it. Good leaders want to hear what
employees have to say and they are always ready to set down a task
and give up their time to listen. We all like to share opinions, but
when it is the boss and she actually listens, it creates a feeling of
good will. We like people who listen to us. (Just make sure you also
respond.)
6. They act.
Being
well-liked as a leader does involve listening, communicating, and
empathizing. But it also means acting on what you've learned. If the
boss just sits back and listens but doesn't do anything about it or
doesn't take the time to investigate the issue, we tend to think she
doesn't really understand the problem or care enough to do anything
about it. Suddenly, when you act on that knowledge, those around you
will think you actually care enough to do something.
7. They work hard.
Here's
how to really
get
on the good side of your employees. No one likes a tyrant, but
employees really hate leaders who just sit around and watch them
work. Want to be more likeable as a leader? Work hard as an example
to everyone. Your employees will see you as an ally, someone who is
part of the team and not just the commander.
-
JOHN
BRANDON
http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/7-qualities-of-remarkably-well-liked-leaders.html?cid=em01014week43a
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