In every sector of every industry, businesses are encountering changes and challenges. That’s why it’s more critical than ever for leaders to positively impact their teams and their organizations. Leaders support, encourage, guide, and connect employees to business strategy and company vision. When they get it right, all stakeholders benefit.
On the Benton+ Bradford Consulting blog, I have written individually about the six principles, or values, of leadership that I believe are essential for leader success.
Since we can all use a timesaver; here are quick overviews and links to those blogs.
1. Personal Accountability
Leaders should be willing to accept the consequences resulting from their choices, actions, or behaviors. Personal accountability is not a buzzword; it sets the tone for a culture of responsibility within an organization.
Executives and people managers embody accountability when they celebrate their victories and reflect on opportunities for growth equally. These behaviors not only bolster workplace culture but empower team members to innovate and take risks knowing that their leader will stand by them. Valuing personal accountability and individual contributions transforms team morale and productivity.
2. Customer Experience Mindset
A customer experience mindset involves actively seeking ways to support and uplift team members. This includes removing obstacles, providing resources, and fostering an environment in which each team member can thrive. At its core, having a customer experience mindset means prioritizing others and considering their needs in all our actions and decisions to fulfill the company’s purpose and increase profits. It’s not just inviting input; it’s also understanding why certain perspectives matter and how our actions impact others’ experiences and their ability to work toward a common goal for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders.
3. Curiosity
Leaders who ask questions, seek new perspectives, and embrace a continuous learning mindset set the stage for growth and adaptability. Curiosity extends beyond seeking answers; it involves a genuine interest in understanding the ‘why’ behind decisions and actions. Leaders who foster a culture of curiosity and remain curious themselves can better anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and navigate change effectively.
By encouraging team members to explore fresh ideas and respect diverse viewpoints, leaders create a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.
4. Influencing Without Authority
“Because I said so,” isn’t likely to get you far. Influencing without authority helps team members feel like they are partnering in success, rather than having their actions dictated to them by someone in a position of authority. Influencing without authority involves active listening, understanding different perspectives, and aligning individual goals with the overarching objectives of the team and organization. Mastering this leadership value creates a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute their best efforts willingly.
5. Agility
The only constant in life and business is change! Agile leaders are essential for organizations to rapidly evolve and meet business challenges. To embody agility, treat obstacles as learning experiences, ask questions for clarity, guide discussions toward shared goals, and adapt with a positive mindset. Leaders who model agility create a culture that supports business success and empowers performance in the face of constant change.
6. Trusted Relationships
Trust is the currency of leadership. Team members learn to trust leaders who prioritize consistency and transparency, proving themselves dependable and “safe.” Leaders who emphasize open communication, follow through on commitments, and genuinely care about the well-being of their team members create a firm foundation that withstands internal and external challenges while fostering loyalty. Increased productivity, collaboration, innovation, and reliability are all outcomes of trusted relationships in the workplace.
Putting it all Together
Leaders who embrace these values create environments in which individuals grow, innovation thrives, and collective success becomes the norm. Keeping these values at the forefront of leaders’ minds can guide behaviors that inspire, empower, and make a positive difference with their teams and organizations.
