Efficient leaders consistently demonstrate certain behaviors and traits that help them manage their teams effectively while still earning their respect. 

So, what exactly does it mean to be a great leader? What traits should you possess to successfully lead a team and keep them motivated? 

We wanted to find out, so we talked to 21 leaders here at EdAssist. Our survey found seven key traits that strong leaders demonstrate and behaviors they use to keep their team motivated. 

 

1. Authenticity

Each leader will have their own unique management style. Some may be slightly more straight-laced, while others may inject more humor into situations. Both are perfectly fine as long as it’s authentic to who you are and who your team knows you to be.

One survey respondent noted:

“There is no one way to lead. There are certainly methods better than others, but you have to be true to yourself.  You can't count on just mimicking a leader you respect.  Your authentic self has to come through and be seen in your day-to-day work for people to respect, and ultimately follow, you.” 

2. Strong communicators

Our survey participants consistently noted that transparent and clear communication was a key trait that successful leaders shared.

Leaders should be able to communicate well across different departments and organizational levels, including giving and receiving feedback for growth opportunities. This should include:

• Prioritize active listening over just speaking and waiting to respond.
• Explain the “why” behind decisions and changes to improve organizational transparency and build trust.
• Facilitate transparent communication in all directions, including encouraging feedback from junior employees.

3. Trustworthy

People won’t follow— or respect— leaders they don’t trust. And in many cases, distrust can cause workers to look at opportunities on other teams or even with other employers. 

It’s important to be trustworthy and act with integrity. Examples of actions you can take to build trust may include:

• Taking accountability if you make a mistake or a wrong decision.
• Helping employees resolve a mistake if they come to you wanting to fix it instead of throwing them under the bus.
• Being fair and objective.
• Communicating transparently, including about company changes.

4. Leads by example 

Very few workers will be happy to work with someone who abides by the “rules for thee and not for me” mindset.

The best managers lead by example, which may include:

• Adhering to the same policies as your workers, including showing up on time and following remote work policies.
• Accepting feedback gracefully and giving it kindly.
• Demonstrating hard work ethic on your own projects and daily tasks.
• Working the same hours you’re asking staff to work, especially if the team is ever asked to work longer hours or on a weekend.
• Supporting team members with an extra set of hands when needed.

As one of our survey participants said:

“A good leader isn't afraid to get their hands dirty or to apply elbow grease when that's needed, inspiring others to do the same. Good judgment is required to know when and where to jump in, delegate or re-prioritize, and empathy is essential to know what your team members are going through and how to help them bring their whole selves to our shared work.”

5. Empathetic  

Empathy is a key defining trait of a good leader, allowing you to better understand, relate to, and adapt to the needs of your team members.

Showing empathy as a leader may include:

• Allowing for flexibility when an employee is experiencing difficulty in their personal life.
• Offering supportive coaching and encouragement instead of only sharing criticisms.
• Identifying when your team is struggling and adapting to provide the resources they need.
• Approaching conflict with a desire to understand all relevant factors and concerns, creating a more fair work environment for everyone.
• Encouraging team members to come to you with problems or concerns.
• Finding practical solutions to address potential problems instead of simply placing blame.

Empathetic leaders are also typically generous with their time and resources. This may involve asking about team members’ long-term ambitions and helping them accomplish their goals, whether it’s to advise them on upskilling opportunities or provide direct feedback on how to improve.

If you know that one team member wants to rise to a senior position, for example, you can coach them and provide them opportunities to take charge of portfolio-building projects that they’d need for the promotion.

6. Decisive but flexible

Great leaders need to be confident in their decisions, even if the decisions aren’t necessarily popular ones. The ability to understand a company’s business objectives, identify a path towards reaching those goals, and move forward is an enormous asset.

That said, flexibility, when needed, is vital to counterbalance this trait. Make sure that you’re open to feedback, so if a team member has a great suggestion or a legitimate concern, you can adapt before the project is derailed.

7. Inclusive and fair

Leaders should be fair, objective, and consistently inclusive to all workers under their management.

Not only is this a key element to building trust amongst your team, but it also ensures that all employees are more likely to remain engaged and productive.

Examples of inclusivity are:

• Using communication platforms to ensure that remote employees receive the same critical information as in-office or hybrid employees.
• Offering consistent support and coaching resources to all team members who need it.
• Providing growth opportunities to team members based on the initiative they show, even if they’re relatively newer employees.
• Approach internal conflict with objectiveness and avoid “playing favorites.”

Advice for aspiring leaders

Impactful leaders should have the ability to clearly communicate what’s expected on a project, inspire their teams to go the extra mile, and find ways to boost their motivation even when faced with challenges.

The good news is that many of the traits and behaviors we’ve discussed can be developed over time with practice.

If you’re aspiring to work in a leadership position, remember that there’s always room for growth. Here’s our leaders’ top advice to consider:

• Learn from other leaders, taking note of their leadership styles and choosing which resonate with you.
• Care about and advocate for people.
• Learn to listen carefully to other people’s opinions and reflect on them objectively, especially when they contradict your own; we don’t know everything.
• Become a transparent communicator who is open to feedback and asking questions.
• Lead by example, showing up ready to work hard and enthusiastically daily.
• Develop a learning mindset in your role, always looking to continue expanding your knowledge from industry experts, formal training, and input from junior associates.
• Gain cross-functional knowledge by working closely with other departments, as this will likely be critical in a leadership role.
• Understand how day-to-day tasks align with short- and long-term business objectives, including how your product or solution can benefit your target customer.
• Find mentors, including direct leadership and other senior team members who can provide advice on how to grow into a leadership role.
• Be humble but confident, accepting feedback but also proactively offering ideas and showing initiative on projects.
• Take advantage of upskilling and education opportunities.