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7 Traits of a Good Leader

How to set yourself apart in a professional setting

By Harbor BenassaPublished 2 years ago 7 min read
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7 Traits of a Good Leader
Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash

Joining the workforce at the height of COVID was ill-advised, but 2020 graduates like me were forced to adapt. People were overall more irritable and companies expended fewer resources to solve problems. Hopefuls vied viciously for jobs that were in short supply. I became a lucky candidate selected for a temporary hospital administration position, and this year, I am finally involved in direct patient care. During my journey, I learned about the power of leading by example and its impact on team cohesion. A team that communicates well and builds each other up has everything it needs to generate creative solutions quickly and easily. It does more than make work fly by- patient outcomes depend on it. Observing and participating in interactions at work led me to think critically about how to deliver the best result for everyone involved, and I've developed a list of traits held by managers and coworkers I respect that make the workday a breeze. If you don't feel naturally equipped to lead, don't worry! These traits are as much necessary to practice as they are to possess. Everyone should strive towards cooperation, and here are traits you can cultivate to bolster team spirit as a leader no matter where you work. (Please note: this article is my own original work and does not represent the views of my employer. Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice.)

1. Clarity of expectations

A leader needs to know what they want before they can ask it of their team. As an employee, seeking proactive understanding of expectations demonstrates reliability and dedication to your position. In today's job market, you should strive to make yourself indispensable, and the best way to do so is gaining a firm understanding of your responsibilities and tailoring your skills accordingly. This sets the expectation in turn that you are capable, which puts you in a position to lead. Your elevated example will prompt your coworkers to match your energy, and the team will benefit overall. If you're in a management role, use your company's mission statement and the job descriptions of each team member as starting points to develop the expectations you have of employees. Distribute them to new hires in writing, and notify those affected of any changes. Remember that reprimanding is a tool in your arsenal in the case of intentional transgressions, not an effective teaching method. If you only use correction when training your team, you build resentment in truly professional employees who want to understand expectations from the outset. Attract and keep proactive team members by demonstrating your desire to see them succeed.

2. Awareness of needs

A good leader is aware of which resources are necessary for success and ensures the availability of supplies. Develop a routine or schedule so no important housekeeping tasks are overlooked. If you see that there is no schedule in place, offer to create one and ask coworkers for their input. Assign someone to ensure weekly upkeep for ongoing needs, like cleaning and supply orders. Avoid crises by alerting your manager as soon as you notice a particular supply is running out or a scheduling error has been made. If you borrow from other establishments, be sure to replenish what you took promptly. Your reputation is very important.

3. Intolerance for gossip

The workplace doesn't need to be impersonal, but it is a professional zone first and foremost. Inevitably, some individuals will want to have discussions that aren't work-related, and some of those discussions will involve speaking about others in a negative light. A leader never tolerates gossip of any kind, and if anyone tries to directly or indirectly involve you, decline. Gracefully steer the conversation away from offensive topics, indicate you don't know enough about the situation to comment, or state that you don't wish to speak negatively about someone who is not present. Additionally, if a coworker tells you something in confidence, respect their request as long as safety permits. If the team member finds out you shared sensitive details, you could lose their trust and damage the team. That would be your direct responsibility, and it can take a long time to rebuild trust after an unnecessary transgression. Make sure that your clients are also being spoken about in a respectful manner, because quality team members will not remain at a workplace that disrespects the people they serve behind their backs. Conduct yourself as if the person being discussed is in the room. You never know who could be listening; it could be the client you are talking about or your boss. In the case of mandated reporters, your duty to report overrides your coworker or client's desire for privacy.

4. Respectful communication style

Ensure that all communication is appropriate and respectful. If you are approached with a question you do not have the answer to, don't leave a client hanging- deliver the querent to the appropriate resource to ensure that it will be properly addressed. Every client issue deserves the attention it needs, even when it seems trivial to you. Remember that clients come from all backgrounds, so what may appear obvious to someone who works in your field likely won't to an outsider. Above all, avoid a passive aggressive tone when speaking to your coworkers or clients, because this has the potential to create a hostile work environment. Believe it or not, passive aggression is not uncommon in the workplace, but you never need to disrespect others even when they disrespect you. No matter how others conduct themselves, center tactfulness and minimize invasive questions. Situational awareness is key, and asking a coworker about a sudden physical change or reason behind a sick day in front of others is never a good idea. Ensure that your communication is straightforward, and demonstrate empathy even when the culture of your workplace discourages it. Warm communication promotes cohesion and boosts morale.

5. Solution-oriented

A good leader places their focus on finding solutions when problems arise. Use your resources to untangle a convoluted issue- coworkers from other departments or locations may have the answers you need. It can be easy to focus on the source of the problem out of frustration, but this eats time and resources in addition to sowing resentment. Strive to reach a solution instead of placing blame and you will earn respect from the people you work with. This attitude creates an adaptable team and will improve the outcome for clients. Remember that excessive finger-pointing is never respectable behavior. Past mistakes should be taken in stride without preventing a coworker from demonstrating improvement in the future. You were once new to the position and made mistakes, too. Kindness towards those who make mistakes is also kindness to the version of you that started out with no experience.

6. Discernment

Question your motives before proceeding with an action that could draw negative attention to someone else. I've seen managers create a fear of excellence by promoting an over-reliance on aids and discouraging initiative-taking due to their own insecurities. It is frustrating when you feel your potential is being smothered, but you can combat this by keeping certifications up to date and asking to shadow more experienced colleagues whenever the chance arises. The more experience you accrue, the less justifiable denying you growth opportunities will be. Avoid allowing your insecurities to influence the way you treat others- center client and team welfare at all times as the reason for your actions and reactions. When there is a dispute, ask questions of anyone involved to gather information and respond with a level head before you reach a conclusion. Accusing someone of something that did not occur is a fantastic way to lose respect and trust, and it communicates that you do not have faith in your team members.

7. Leads in every role

Above all, a good leader leads by example. Remember that leading by example means your team will follow you- if you volunteer to assist frequently, they will be more likely to reciprocate. Even if you are not in a position to advise or manage team members, your behavior sets the bar for others, especially when management recognizes your outstanding work. Whether your workplace is toxic or idyllic, you are one hundred percent in control of your conduct, empowering you to make the best choices for yourself and others. Encourage coworkers to share their ideas, recognize them publicly for a job well done, and implement solutions they generate to show support. Your positive influence is very powerful even if you aren't the official team leader, and the waves you make can positively impact your workplace culture.

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About the Creator

Harbor Benassa

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