The ‘X Factors’ of Leadership
By Suresh Sahu
Leadership is a complex subject. Hence, it is difficult to give leadership a specific definition. There are some universal traits that are critical for leadership effectiveness across all cultures. I believe every leader must have the following ‘X factors’ to be successful in his/ her role.
Character
Your character is a prime requisite for effective leadership. You externalise this with your passion for serving others. Your beliefs and values that shape your life mould your identity. Hence, be authentic in your approach to leadership and be courageous to be imperfect and vulnerable. Character is integrity. Make your presence felt as it reveals your character.
Vision
You architect strategy with a clear and definitive purpose, consulting with all stakeholders. Great leaders understand complexities and break them into simple operational narratives for others to embrace and execute. Execution needs accountability that comes with empowerment and trust. You build capacity in your people to optimally exploit their potential. Driving clarity deep into the organization with constant communication, and clear measures of progress is a tedious and relentless pursuit. Persevere on this.
Attitude
Great leaders have an abundance mindset, and they brave adversities. They can adapt to a situation, be in balance and remain calm. It’s your attitude that acts as fuel to your thoughts that directs your actions. Mental fitness and agility are key to your positive attitude. It matters.
Learner
The learning process for leadership is ongoing. In learning, you value others’ knowledge or skill and encourage innovation in your team. You allow people to ask questions. That way, the collective awareness becomes stronger and paves way for fearless ideation. You understand and utilise the power of shared knowledge. Great leaders are multipliers.
Judgement
Your capability to discern available information to arrive at a decision is a critical differentiator. Your sense-making should be superior to most. That requires intuitiveness more than knowledge or experience. While you will respect polarities of thoughts, some amount of bias will be necessary for the common good. Your ability to comprehend, process, and analyse information with speed is paramount.
Influence
Leaders don’t work in silos. You interact with and influence teams at the enterprise level. You play the role of a resource investigator to ensure your teams can deliver. In influence, you motivate them but more importantly, you show your grace, respect, and honour. Leadership is the ability to inspire others to achieve shared objectives.
Humility
Leaders don’t have all answers. And to find answers, you must ask without an ego. Be courageous and humble to ask questions, a lot of them. Humility is a superpower in leadership that builds your confidence and curiosity to know what you don’t know. In being humble, you foster trust with the people you lead.
Inclusion
Inclusion is proactive. Leaders are aware of their bias and preferences and hence consciously commit to the diversity of thoughts, challenge the status quo and seek varied perspectives. And when people feel included, they have psychological safety to open up and contribute without fear, enhancing organisational performance. Through inclusion, you earn their respect and acceptance as an effective leader.
Understand and employ these ‘X factors’ to differentiate your leadership as someone who motivates others to exceed expectations in their organisation.
Lead well!
Suresh Sahu
Advisor to ELAvate
Leadership Coach