Leadership isn’t just about control — it’s also about actions and behaviors. As a leader, do your current leadership behaviors align with both your and your team’s goals? And does your behavior boost your team’s morale or bring the mood down — resulting in high turnover and less efficiency? To help you answer those questions, we’ve put together a breakdown of the kind of conduct that leaders should exhibit.
There are four main types of leadership behaviors:
Task-oriented, people-oriented, relationship-oriented, and transactional. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you and your team.task-oriented leaders are focused on results and getting things done.
They’re often decisive and confident, but can also be inflexible and insensitive to others’ needs. people-oriented leaders are more concerned with creating a positive environment and keeping their team members happy.
They’re usually good at motivating people and building relationships, but can be too easygoing and reluctant to make tough decisions. relationship-oriented leaders focus on maintaining harmony within the team.
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They’re typically very cooperative and supportive, but may avoid conflict or take sides instead of dealing with the issue head-on.
What are leadership behaviors?
Leadership behaviors are actions and conduct that leaders incorporate into their management styles in order to effectively lead their teams, motivate them, and achieve their goals.
Leaders who don’t possess these behaviors may struggle with completing objectives, maintaining a healthy work environment, or managing their team members.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 30 examples of leadership behaviors that will benefit both you and your team.
Effective Leadership Behaviors Examples
1. Compassion
Compassion is a critical leadership quality. Compassionate leaders build trust and promote collaboration. Your employees will feel more comfortable confiding in you about issues that may be disrupting their workflow.
Compassion also allows you to see both sides of every issue and come to resolutions that satisfy everyone involved. Being compassionate doesn’t mean being a pushover – it means having the ability to see both sides of every issue and come to a resolution that is fair for everyone involved.
When you lead with compassion, you set the tone for your entire team. Compassionate leaders are respected, trusted, and successful.
2. Adaptability
Adaptable leadership is one of the most important skills for any business leader in today’s ever-changing marketplace. With new technologies and social media platforms constantly emerging, it’s essential to be able to shift gears and adapt your company’s process and priorities to stay ahead of the curve.
An adaptable leader is always looking for ways to improve and update their business model, whether that means taking advantage of new technologies or experimenting with different marketing strategies. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt is what separates the successful businesses from the rest.
3. Coaching mindset
A coaching mindset is key for any leader who wants to see their employees improve and grow. It’s all about taking the time to get to know your employees, understand their goals, and then help them develop skills that will enable them to achieve those goals. As a coach, you should also be willing to act as a mentor, offering guidance and support along the way.
One great way to promote a coaching mindset is to offer training sessions that focus on specific areas of the business. This can help employees learn new skills and gain a better understanding of how the company operates. Another option is to set aside time for employees to shadow colleagues in different departments.
This can give them a chance to explore new areas of interest and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. By taking these steps, you can create a workplace environment that fosters growth and development — setting your employees up for success.
4. Active listening
Active listening means giving the person who is speaking your full, undivided attention. In tandem with listening to their words, you’re also analyzing what’s being said —paying close attention to the content, intentions, and emotion of the speaker.
Employees who feel like their voices are being heard are more engaged and productive at work. In fact, a 2021 global survey by The Workforce Institute at UKG found that 74% of employees say they are more effective at their job when they feel heard.
That same study also showed that 88% of employees whose companies financially outperform others in their industry feel heard compared to 62% of employees at financially underperforming companies.
Active listening is a key ingredient in creating a positive and productive work environment where employees feel valued. When workers feel like their voices matter, they’re more likely to go above and beyond to help their company succeed.
5. Motivation
Motivation is key for any leader looking to inspire their team. After all, you can’t expect your team to be motivated to reach new heights if you aren’t. Leaders set the tone for their team’s morale, so it’s important to show enthusiasm for the company’s future.
This means setting the vision for the company and getting team members excited about what’s to come. It also means being a role model for hard work and dedication. When your team sees that you’re passionate about the company’s success, they’ll be more likely to buy into your vision and work hard to make it a reality.
So if you’re looking to motivational your team, start by leading by example.
6. Self-awareness
Self-awareness is an important quality for any leader to possess. By understanding your own character and feelings, you can better navigate challenging situations and work to improve upon your weaknesses.
Self-awareness also allows you to remain calm and level-headed in the face of adversity. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world, being self-aware can give you the edge you need to succeed.
7. Confidence
Confidence is key when it comes to leading a team. If you don’t believe in your own abilities, it’ll be difficult to get your team to buy into your vision. To build your confidence, try repeating positive affirmations to yourself, practicing good posture, and making eye contact while speaking.
It might take some time and practice to get used to, but if you stick with it, your confidence will grow and your team will take notice. Confidence is an important trait for any leader to have, so make sure you work on building yours up.
8. Assertiveness
Being assertive is an important skill in both personal and professional settings. Assertiveness means being confident and direct in your communication, and not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in. It is important to be assertive without being overly aggressive or pushy, as this can lead to conflict and misunderstanding.
Assertiveness is about being honest and respectful in your interactions with others, and it is a skill that can be learned with practice. When you are assertive, you send a message that you are confident and capable, which can inspire others to trust and respect you.
Assertiveness is an essential quality in any leader, so if you want to be successful, start working on your assertiveness skills today.
9. Time management
Time management is an important skill for any leader to master. An effective leader knows how to use their and their team’s time wisely. Leaders properly manage time by streamlining workflows to make processes more efficient. They also implement detailed plans that prioritize important tasks and take the amount of time it takes to complete them into account.
Developing these skills can help leaders be more successful in achieving their goals and objectives. In today’s fast-paced world, it is essential for leaders to learn how to effectively manage their time.
10. Detail-oriented
Detail-oriented individuals are essential in any workplace. They are the ones who notice when something is not quite right and take the time to fix it. This might mean proofreading a document for errors or catching a mistake in a presentation. Whatever the case may be, detail-oriented people help to ensure that high standards of quality are met.
While some people might see attention to detail as a hindrance, it is actually one of the qualities that makes a good leader. After all, a leader needs to be able to see both the big picture and the small details in order to make informed decisions. A leader who is detail-oriented is able to take all of the information available and use it to create a comprehensive plan. As a result, Detail-oriented leaders are able to deliver results that are both timely and accurate.
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11. Communication
Communication is key for any leader. You need to be able to communicate your objectives clearly so that your team can understand and take action. Communication also involves understanding how your team prefers to communicate.
Do email updates help? How about weekly scheduled Zoom meetings and town halls? Paying attention to the types of communication that yield the best results for your team will help you implement a successful strategy. Communication is an essential skill for any leader.
12. Accountability
Accountability is an essential quality for any leader. It means being willing to take responsibility for your own actions and decisions, and being open to feedback from your team. Establishing trust with your team starts with holding yourself accountable for your own mistakes.
If you make a mistake, own up to it and make a commitment to do better in the future. Your team will respect your honesty and integrity, and they will be more likely to hold themselves accountable as well. Accountability is about more than just taking responsibility for your own actions – it’s about setting the example for others to follow.
13. Dependability
Dependability is one of the most important qualities a leader can possess. A dependable leader can be trusted to do what they say they’ll do, when they say they’ll do it, and the way it needs to be done. This instills confidence in the team and can inspire them to do the same.
A leader who lacks dependability can shake a team’s morale, reduce efficiency, and lose out on important opportunities. For example, if a leader promises to have a project completed by a certain date but then doesn’t deliver, the team will become frustrated and may start to doubt the leader’s ability.
On the other hand, a dependable leader will gain the respect of the team and be more likely to achieve successful results. Therefore, it’s essential for leaders to be both competent and dependable in order to be effective.
14. Proactiveness
Proactive leadership is an essential quality for any manager or leader. Being proactive means taking the time to plan and improve your team’s processes before problems arise.
Proactive leaders identify areas of risk for their team and work to minimize negative impacts or remove them altogether. This approach helps to prevent issues before they pop up, saving time and energy in the long run. Additionally, proactive leadership demonstrates confidence and decisiveness, two qualities that are essential for any leader.
By being proactive, you can show your team that you are capable of making decisions and taking action, instilling confidence in your ability to lead. Proactivity is a key quality for any leader, so it is important to develop this skill if you want to be successful.
15. Planning
Planning is a critical component of success in any venture. By taking the time to map out a route to your goal, you increase the likelihood of achieving it. Planning also allows you to anticipate roadblocks and devise alternate routes, ensuring that you can stay on track even when things don’t go according to plan.
Furthermore, Planning ahead allows you to utilize the strengths of each team member, ensures that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities, and helps avoid conflict down the line. In sum, taking the time to plan will pay off in increased efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success.
16. Problem solving
Problem solving is a critical leadership skill. In an ever-changing professional landscape, unpredictable problems happen by nature. A good leader understands that they must find solutions to difficult or unpredictable problems and utilize the strengths of their teams to get over hurdles.
Leaders who are effective at problem solving are able to identify the root cause of a problem, develop creative solutions, and implement those solutions in a timely manner. They are also able to adapt their approach as needed and delegate tasks as appropriate.
Problem solving is an essential skill for any leader who wants to be successful in today’s business world.
17. Responsibility
Responsibility is one of the most important qualities of a leader. A responsible leader understands that they have a duty to make tough decisions, lead their team, and be in control of the situation. They do not shy away from responsibility or accountability, and they are not afraid to be decision-makers.
Responsibility is what separates a good leader from a great one. A great leader takes full responsibility for their actions and their team, and they are always looking for ways to improve. A responsible leader is someone who others can trust and depend on, and who is always working to better themselves and their team. If you want to be a successful leader, then you need to beresponsible.
18. Goal-Oriented
Goal-oriented leaders are essential for any organization that wants to succeed. Without clear and attainable goals, it is impossible to measure progress or identify areas of improvement. Goal-oriented leaders take the time to sit down with their team and set realistic objectives.
They then create a plan of action and ensure that everyone is aware of their role in achieving the goal. Goal-oriented leaders are also positive and upbeat, approaching each task with a can-do attitude. This inspires others to do their best work and creates a productive, positive environment. If you want your organization to achieve its full potential, it is essential to have a goal-oriented leader at the helm.
19. Purpose
Purpose goes hand-in-hand with goal-setting. As a leader, you must have a clear future envisioned for your team that drives everyone forward. Where do all your goals lead to? What drives you to succeed and is that purpose clear to your employees? If not, it should be.
Purpose gives meaning to achievements, big or small. It is the “why” behind the “what.” Once your team understands the greater purpose of their work, they will be more engaged and motivated to see projects through to completion. That sense of purpose will also help them weather difficult challenges and setbacks.
So ask yourself, what is the purpose of your company or team? And more importantly, is it clear to everyone on your team? If not, take some time to communicate it more effectively. Doing so will pay dividends in the form of a more cohesive and motivated team.
20. Commitment
Commitment is essential for any leader who wants to achieve their objectives. A committed leader will devote their time and energy to their company, team, and goals. Their go-getter attitude will also inspire Commitment in their team members. Commitment allows leaders to focus on their work and achieve success. It is an important virtue that all leaders should possess.
21. Resilience
Being a leader isn’t easy. Sometimes plans fail, markets shift, consumers change, and frustrations can arise. However, a resilient leader finds the strength to persevere through uncertainty or disappointment and helps their team stay the course to their goals. Resilience is about more than just bouncing back from adversity; it’s also about being flexible and adaptable in the face of change.
A resilient leader is able to take setbacks in stride and maintain a positive outlook, even when things are tough. This doesn’t mean that they never feel discouraged or overwhelmed; instead, it means that they have the inner strength to keep going even when the going gets tough. In today’s ever-changing world, resilience is an essential quality for any leader.
By remaining calm and level-headed in the face of challenges, a resilient leader is better able to navigate uncertainty and help their team reach its goals.
22. Transparency
Transparency is a critical component of effective leadership. When leaders are opaque in their communications, it can create distrust and confusion among their team members. To be a transparent leader, you must make a concerted effort to be clear and easy to understand. This means using language that is free of ambiguity and making sure your words match your tone and body language.
You also need to be aware of what information you can and cannot share with your team. While you may not be able to tell them everything, you should never leave them guessing as to what you can or cannot say. By being transparent in your communication, you will foster trust and respect among your team members, and ultimately be more effective in your role as a leader.
23. Personal fulfillment
Personal fulfillment is often the result of a successful project. But what does it mean to be fulfilled? A leader experiences fulfillment when their drive, purpose, and desire to achieve their goals are aligned with the success of their team.
In other words, they feel a sense of satisfaction because they know that they played a role in helping their team reach its objectives. This doesn’t mean that leaders always need to be at the forefront of every project in order to feel fulfilled. Instead, they just need to know that they’re playing an integral part in helping their team succeed. And when the team succeeds, the leader feels a sense of accomplishment and Personal fulfillment.
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24. Reflection
Reflection is a critical skill for all leaders. By taking the time to reflect on previous experiences – both successes and failures – leaders can learn from their mistakes, hone their decision-making skills, and become more efficient overall.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to move on from one thing to the next without taking the time to truly reflect on what has happened. However, this can lead to repeated mistakes and missed opportunities for growth.
Leaders who take the time to reflect on their actions are more likely to be successful in the long-term. Reflection allows for insights that would otherwise be missed, and it helps leaders to develop a stronger understanding of both themselves and the situations they find themselves in. For these reasons, reflection is an essential tool for any leader who wants to be successful.
25. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing. Empathetic leaders are able to see things from another person’s perspective and understand their feelings and concerns. Being in tune with your team’s emotions can help you adjust expectations, get to the heart of certain issues, and build trust.
Empathy is a valuable skill for any leader, and it can be cultivated by stepping outside your comfort zone and asking “How would I feel if this were happening to me?” By taking the time to understand how others are feeling, you can create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.
26. Constructive feedback
Constructive feedback is a crucial part of being a leader. It is essential for maintaining high performance levels in your team and for helping individuals reach their goals. Constructive feedback is informative, issue-specific, based on observation, and is delivered in a way that is not meant to offend or deter. Instead, constructive feedback is delivered to encourage a positive outcome.
As a leader, you should be comfortable giving constructive feedback to your team members. This will help facilitate their growth and improve performance. Keep in mind that constructive feedback is not meant to be negative; rather, it should be seen as a tool to help achieve positive results.
27. Empowerment
Empowering your team means delegating specific tasks to team members and giving them authority over those tasks. This shows that you believe in your team’s capabilities and trust them to take charge of projects when necessary.
This form of empowerment can also help team members broaden their skills and boost efficiency. Empowerment is a key leadership strategy that can help you build a more effective and engaged team. When team members feel empowered, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work.
Empowerment can also lead to increased creativity and innovation, as team members feel free to experiment and take risks. Ultimately, empowerment is about trust—trusting your team to do their best work and trusting yourself to let go of control. When you empower your team, you set them up for success.
28. Interactive
Interactive leadership is about more than just making decisions on your own. It’s also about working with your team and maintaining open lines of communication. Interactive leaders understand the importance of connecting with their team and building relationships. They know that embracing new perspectives is key to growth and success.
Interactive leaders are approachable and easy to talk to. They make an effort to get to know their team members on a personal level. They are interested in hearing new ideas and are always willing to lend a listening ear. Interactive leaders understand that no one has all the answers. They are open to learning from others and encourage their team members to share their ideas.
Interactive leadership isn’t just about being friendly and approachable, though. It’s also about taking action. Interactive leaders take the time to build their team by organizing social events, planning outings, and participating in group activities. They create an environment where people feel comfortable working together and sharing ideas. Interactive leadership fosters a sense of community within a team and helps people feel connected to one another.
If you want to be an effective leader, interactive leadership is a style you should consider adopting. Keep an open mind, embrace new perspectives, and take the time.
29. Influential
Influential leaders are critical to the success of any organization. By exhibiting high-influence behaviors, they are able to set the tone for how projects are executed and have the power to change direction if need be. With low-influence behaviors, leaders will have to work harder to be heard and to have projects completed to their liking.
Influential leaders are not afraid to take risks and are always looking for ways to improve the status quo. They are also excellent communicators, both oral and written, and are able to inspire others to achieve greatness. If you want to be an effective leader, it is essential that you learn how to be highly influential.
30. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a critical skillset for any leader. Empathy, self-awareness, reflection, and compassion are all components of emotional intelligence. Any emotionally intelligent leader is aware and in control of how they express their emotions.
By being in control of their emotions, an effective leader can handle their relationship with their team judiciously and respectfully. Emotional intelligence creates a healthy work environment in which everyone feels validated, heard, and respected. Emotional intelligence is a key ingredient in any recipe for success.
Conclusion paragraph:
While not everyone may be born a leader, these behaviors can be learned over time with practice and initiative. If you are looking to develop your leadership skills, start by writing down the behaviors you wish to exhibit. From there, create a clear plan of action on how you will achieve them. There is no better time to get started than the present. Are you ready to become a leader?