You’ll Never Be a Successful Leader if You Don’t Do These 7 Things

Great leaders have several things in common, traits that make them stand out as stellar leaders who garner respect not because of who they are or how much money they have, but because of how they lead. It doesn’t matter if you’re the regional manager of a small company or the VP of a business that’s about to take off into the stratosphere. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high school principal or the CEO of a small, in-home business. You’re a leader, so it’s time to act like one.

Never Lead for Money

Making money can and should be one of your goals, obviously. You’re not doing what you do for your health. However, if you’re sole purpose in your role is to line your pockets, then you simply won’t be a great leader. Lead for a purpose, one that’s significantly higher than profits. Lead for your clients, your customers, and your employees.

Hire People Who Are Better than You

Surround yourself with individuals who are smarter, more talented, and more experienced than you, then—here’s the kicker—listen to them. You don’t know everything, you can’t do everything, and some people out there are smarter than you. Accept all of that and bring in the talent you need.

Take Note but Be Yourself

Learn about effective, successful leadership from all the sources at your disposal. Read books, draw on personal experiences, observe the people around you and how they lead their teams or departments. Incorporate what works into your leadership style, but always put your stamp on it. Remain your authentic self.

Have a Solid Business Strategy

You’re lost without it. Spend time polishing it, testing it, and changing strategies if it’s necessary. Good leaders don’t push bad business plans.

Trust Is Essential

You have to trust everyone working under you, but they also have to trust you. Don’t get so focused on making sure you have a loyal, trustworthy team that you neglect to consider how everyone feels about you.

Discover What Motivates Your People

Why? Because the people working for you are the root of your success. Without a solid team, you’d have to do everything on your own. Find out what motivates them and just do it.

Don’t Get Impatient

Your business is a work in progress. So is your identity as a leader. As both a business person and a leader, you’ll learn more over time. Everything evolves.

What are some of the traits you noticed in your past bosses, mentors, and leaders? How did you develop your leadership style?