Leadership Qualities to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty

Leadership Qualities, April 2013We live in an uncertain world where change is constant. Yet some leaders are still able to thrive in tough times because of their distinctive behaviour. One compelling story of leadership in a tough environment is the 1911-12 race to the South Pole. Amundsen demonstrated certain leadership qualities that set him apart from Scott. As a result, Amundsen and his team arrived 5 weeks ahead of Scott and the crew would return home safely. Sadly, Scott and his team perished on the return journey.

Here are six leadership qualities you need to thrive in today’s ever-changing world:

1. Enable others to act

Leadership is a team effort. Collaboration is a critical competency for achieving success. At the heart of collaboration is trust. Great leaders see the potential in others and help them to succeed.

2. Never give up

Do not allow difficult circumstances to crush your spirit or your focus to serve others who depend on you.

3. Responsibility for your actions

Eagerness to accept responsibility for your actions wins respect from your team. Great leaders do not complain. They reject that forces outside their control will determine their results. Instead of making excuses, they make progress. They accept full responsibility for their own fate.

4. Integrity

Real leaders are honest in their words and actions. People will only trust a leader when they know that the person is truthful and ethical.

5. Commitment to goals

Particularly in tough times, it is important to keep working towards goals. As the business environment changes rapidly, frequent adjustments to the course may be necessary that can be a distraction when viewed from a long-term perspective. Great leaders manage to do both; keep afloat amidst a storm and stay focused on the long-term goals. Although some things are out of your control, you can still set a tangible goal that keeps you and your team moving forward.

6. Humility

The best leaders remain humble. They know that they can’t do it alone and are willing to accept that someone else might have a better idea. With sincere credit to others they get extraordinary things done.

In uncertain times, great leaders are desperately needed. ENRICH yourself with these leadership qualities and remember the quote by management expert Jim Collins: “We cannot predict the future. But we can create it.”

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Joan Deeks

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