ATTITUDE makes all the difference. Colin Powell once said, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” Attitude is everything for a leader who wants to influence people.
Attitude is the mindset, behaviour, or gravitas a person carries. It is an aura that remains with a leader until they change the way they relate to people. Those around them easily sense it — much like noticing the scent of perfume as someone passes by. This aura shapes the leader, and the leader’s actions ultimately shape the culture of an organisation.
In my work training, coaching, and advising leaders, I often encounter negative mentalities that undermine effective leadership. Instead of leading, some end up ruling or dictating. These include a title mindset, a position mindset, a power mindset, an oppressive mindset, a suppressive mindset, and a command-and-control mindset. These are negative attitudes.
Leaders must instead contribute to their organisations with a positive attitude. Let us explore seven attitudes that make an effective leader:
Attitude 1: Caring
Caring involves simple acts such as talking to colleagues, offering help and showing genuine interest in people. Learn from other team members, even those lower in the chain of command. Most importantly, help people find their true place and purpose.
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Attitude 2: Communication
Communication holds an organisation together. Positive communication encourages effective work and cultivates a healthy atmosphere among co-workers. Communication is the most important ingredient in any relationship, so there should always be healthy communication channels. Conflicts are inevitable in any organisation, and it is the leader’s responsibility to ensure they are resolved amicably. Learn to congratulate, not only criticise. Encourage people and build friendships. After all, how can you influence people if you are not sociable?
Attitude 3: Coaching
Many leaders believe that empowering someone will make them leave for greener pastures. But leadership requires developing others. When did you last invest in training your team? Empower people, develop them, and delegate authority. Help individuals realise their strengths. This becomes possible when a leader takes on the role of a coach.
Attitude 4: Courtesy
I once worked under a leader who noticed only my mistakes. One day, I respectfully asked whether there was anything I had done well. After that, he began to notice both the big and small contributions I made. Leaders should learn to acknowledge effort and recognise hard work.
Attitude 5: Unite people
A leader must first be able to recruit the right talent or place people where they perform best. Secondly, they must ensure that different talents complement one another and work together effectively.
Attitude 6: Emotional intelligence
Studies show that IQ alone is not enough for a person to excel in life. Emotional intelligence is also essential. In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, Daniel Goleman outlines five emotional competencies necessary for managing ourselves and leading others effectively:
lKnowing your emotions (self-awareness)
lManaging your emotions
lMotivating yourself and others
lRecognising emotions in others and showing empathy
lHandling relationships and staying connected
Leaders with strong emotional intelligence listen to others, even when opinions differ. They respect other viewpoints, possess strong people skills and connect easily with others.
Attitude 7: Take responsibility
Great leaders take responsibility for their decisions, actions and results. Extraordinary leaders take calculated risks. Every leader must be strategic and focused on the overall vision. They must also be accountable and dependable.
Parting point
A positive attitude creates a positive atmosphere around a leader. A great attitude attracts people who want to help achieve shared goals. A leader may lack certain specialised skills, but should never lack a good attitude. While some people are naturally endowed with a positive attitude, the good news is that anyone can cultivate one. To make more friends in life, you must first be friendly.