Successful leaders exhibit common traits that help them be effective. They nurture an approachable environment to gain respect and encourage open communication. They are also expert decision makers who tackle issues directly and solve problems quickly. Additionally, successful leaders clearly communicate expectations, reward performance, equip their team members with knowledge and authority, constantly seek counsel to improve, lead by example and take accountability, bring positive energy, and genuinely enjoy having responsibility to create impact.

1. WHAT DO LEADERS DO?
When you look at the highest regarded CEOs and business leaders, they seem to share
common traits of leadership that they learned and eventually became instinctual for
them. The quickest way to gain mastery over the way you lead is to look at what made
these leaders effective, model them and practice them often enough that it becomes so
much a part of you that the behavior is automatic. So what do you need to practice to be
a great leader?
1. Nurture an Approachable Environment
The quick and easy path of leadership is through intimidation; holding your authority
over your team members with your title, authority and power. You’ll get what you need
done, but you won’t gain the respect that successful leaders do. They are experts at
making others feel safe to speak-up and encourage their staff to confidently voice their
opinions and share their perspectives. Successful leaders always give feedback and
welcome it in return. They know this builds trustworthy relationships with their
colleagues.
2. Make Decisions and Solve Problems Fast
Successful leaders are expert decision makers. They either facilitate the dialogue to
empower their colleagues to reach a consensus or they do it themselves. They focus on
“making things happen” at all times, and not wasting time on issues that disrupt
momentum. They aren’t afraid to tackle issues head-on and know how to discover the
heart of the matter at hand. They don’t procrastinate and are proficient at problem
solving; they learn from and don’t avoid uncomfortable circumstances.
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2. 3. Communicate Expectations and Reward Performance
Successful leaders are great communicators. They remind their colleagues of the
organization’s code of honor and remind them of expectations. They make it easy for
the team to stay focused and on track. They always measure performance and are
active in acknowledging hard work and efforts (no matter the result). Successful leaders
never take consistent performers for granted and constantly reward them.
4. Equip People and Delegate Authority
Successful leaders never stop teaching because they are so self-motivated to learn
themselves. They use teaching to keep their colleagues well-informed and
knowledgeable through statistics, trends, and other newsworthy items. They know the
people – how and when to utilize their unique talents for the right circumstances.
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3. They understand their colleagues’ mindsets, capabilities and areas for improvement.
They use this knowledge/insight to challenge their teams to think and stretch them to
reach for more. If you are not thinking, you’re not learning new things. If you’re not
learning, you’re not growing. And great leaders are always learning.
5. Ask Questions, Seek Counsel
Successful leaders ask questions and seek counsel all the time. From the outside, they
appear to know-it-all – yet on the inside, they have a deep thirst for knowledge and
constantly are on the look-out to learn new things because of their commitment to
making themselves better through the wisdom of others.
Success Resources: http://www.srpl.net/

4. 6. Lead by Example and Be Accountable
Sounds like common sense, but few leaders are consistent with this one. Successful
leaders walk the talk and are mindful of their actions. They are also secure enough to
allow their colleagues to manage them – to call them out on their excuses. Being
accountable to others is a sign that you are committed to the success of the team and
the organization rather than just your own.
7. Positive Energy & Attitude
Successful leaders create a positive and inspiring culture. They know how to set the
tone and bring an attitude that motivates their colleagues to take action. They are
likeable, respected and strong willed. They don’t allow failures to disrupt momentum.
Success Resources: http://www.srpl.net/

5. 8. Enjoy the Responsibility
Successful leaders love being leaders – not for the sake of power but for the meaningful
and purposeful impact they can create. It’s about your ability to serve others and this
can’t be accomplished unless you genuinely enjoy what you do. They love to succeed
and pull others up along with them to share in their accomplishments.
Success Resources: http://www.srpl.net/