Throughout history, great leaders have forged new societies, built great companies, intervened in social change, and above all have become a source of inspiration for others. Very often confused with a position of hierarchy, leadership capacity does not only imply authority, but it is the sum of skills, values, and behaviors oriented to progress.
Sometimes, people with greater leadership potential are not aware that they possess it. Here are the 15 signs that will give you a clue that you can become a great leader.
1. You are capable of empowering others
Leadership is not a position of privilege or power, but of service. Your task is to guide others to achieve their goals and cultivate their autonomy. It is not, as many believe, to subject their subordinates to their own whims.
2. You possess emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is one of the most important characteristics of good leaders. This concept, popularized by the American psychologist Daniel Coleman, refers to the ability to recognize and manage one’s own and others’ feelings. According to studies, when it comes to achieving good performance, emotional intelligence is a transcendental tool, even more so than IQ or technical skills.
3. You use logic
Logic is the principle of reasoning. Remember that in the discourse of leadership, logic, and rational thought far exceed intuition.
4. You understand the power of why
According to Simon Sinek, author of the world bestseller “Start with why”, people are not so much interested in what you do, but why you do it. Whether you’re starting a social movement or planning to build a big business, you’ll need to build a following. Great leaders use the power of reason to find people who believe the same as they do, and inspire them to take action.
5. Focus on solutions rather than problems
In situations where stress and pressure increase, leaders are known for their ability to deal with solutions, rather than fix problems. They spend time on problems only to understand what needs to be solved.
6. You have a thirst for knowledge
A permanent commitment to learning is one of the most important attributes of great leaders. Albert Einstein himself said that “intellectual growth must begin at birth and stop only at death. Likewise, the ability to challenge one’s own assumptions and learn lessons from one’s own and others’ successes and failures is the foundation of progress.
A lifelong commitment to learning is one of the most important attributes of great leaders
7. Improves others
Great leaders are not so much interested in the loyalty of their followers, but in creating more leaders. The personal and professional development of team members is the top priority of a true leader.
8. You think “outside the box”
Great leaders challenge the status quo and are not afraid to disturb the natural order of things. This critical stance involves finding new and improved strategies to achieve objectives.
9. You are a good follower
Being a good follower leads to shaping leadership. Robert Kelley, author of “The power of Followership”, indicates that being a good follower does not correspond to the negative connotation that is generally assigned to it. That is to say, it does not mean only to obey orders, but to take a critical and active attitude from those orders before obeying. Likewise, good followers are able to function even when the leader is not present.
10. You listen more than you talk
When facing challenges, listening is the most convenient option. That way you will acquire a broader and more accurate perspective, which is a great advantage.
11. You give frank and courageous advice
Abraham Lincoln said, “I am not obligated to win, but I am obligated to be honest. I am not obligated to be successful, but I am obligated to live up to the light I have. What did he mean by this phrase? We should not compromise what we know is right for our personal benefit.
One of the most important attributes of a great leader is his integrity. A great leader stays true to his convictions, even when the advice he suggests does not correspond to what people (around and above them) want to hear.
12. You communicate effectively
Leadership and effective communication are undisputed allies. Great leaders spend most of their time interacting with others, and therefore cannot act without the ability to communicate effectively.
13. You are compassionate
Great leaders care about the well-being of the people around them. A recent study found that employee loyalty is more influenced by maintaining positive relationships than by the salary they receive.
Great leaders care about the well-being of the people around them
14. You ask for forgiveness, not permission
Generally, people resist change mainly out of fear and habit. Good leaders know this and, guided by their ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo, will be responsible for leading the most controversial projects in the interest of progress.
15. You are not afraid of big decisions
Offering to make the riskiest decisions is difficult, but leaders are capable of doing it. The reason is not simple courage, but they know that many times inaction is more dangerous than making the wrong decision.
