Monday, September 30, 2013
Good morning ,
In today’s new millennium of workers, how important is it to be a Likeable Leader? Some experts say very important. Below are the Top 11 Traits of a Likeable Leader for Today’s Millennium, by top owners of today’s millennium companies. Read on, then weigh in.
1. A Balance of Firmness and Understanding
The Millennials entering the work force are not accustomed to the old style of tough-love leadership used by many highly successful older leaders. There are times that will require an iron fist, but there’s no question that they need considerably more TLC. Taking a personal interest in their lives while being understanding and reasonable, but firm when necessary, is a good balance.– Adam Callinan, Founder/CEO, PiCK Ventures, Inc.
2. Authenticity
People who work underneath you want to know that you’re a human being, and this means talking to them about your personal life, passions and fears. When my reports take me off that pedestal and get to know me, they give me much more of themselves.– Alexandra Levit, President and Founder, Inspiration at Work.
3. Leading by Example
As a founder, the most important thing you can do is lead by example. We ask a lot of our employees: work, time and personal sacrifice. The only way such demands can be fair is if you push yourself to go well beyond them. Don’t tell your employees what you mean by hard work — show them.– Danny Boice, Co-Founder & CTO, Speak
4. Humility
The most likeable quality in a leader is not acting like a jerk. You didn’t always have it figured out, and your business wasn’t always this successful. Great leaders recognize that hard work and luck contribute to their success, which makes them more likeable in the marketplace, office and with clients.– Kelly Azevedo, Founder, She’s Got Systems.
5. Honesty
The best leaders always tell the truth — especially when people don’t necessarily want to hear what they have to say. What separates a true leader from someone who overexposes or comes across as insensitive is her capacity to structure the message in a way that people can best hear it, understand it (even if they don’t agree) and take appropriate action from it.– Alexia Vernon , President, Alexia Vernon Empowerment, LLC.
6. Compassion
My co-founder holds a Ph.D. in personality psychology, so each week our team does fun personality quizzes. She’s determined that I’m the “giver.” No matter what I’m working on, I’ll always drop everything to speak with team members, hear them out and get my hands dirty with one of their projects. I really listen to our customers so we can build products to help them solve their problems. – Jessica Brondo, Founder & CEO, Admitted.ly.
7. Being an Open Book
Whether I’m having a pow-wow with my team or speaking at an event, I always encourage people to ask me personal questions and things they really want to know, but are afraid to ask. Sometimes, I contractually can’t share something. But if my experiences, mistakes and failures can help someone else, I’m happy to share them, even if they’re uncomfortable to discuss.– Natalie MacNeil, She Takes on the World.
8. Respect
To be a successful and likeable leader, you have to actually respect and admire the people you work with. If you believe you’re better than them, either you’re wrong or you hired wrong.– Derek Flanzraich, CEO and Founder, Greatist.
9. A Sense of Humor
Injecting a little humor into the workplace makes for a better working environment. Staff members who see their leader as someone who can laugh at things (and at themselves, as well), are sure to be happier and less likely to look for greener pastures.– Andrew Schrage, Co-Owner, Money Crashers Personal Finance.
10. A Willingness to Listen
I’ve heard over and over again that the thing that makes me a great leader is my willingness to listen. This trait doesn’t seem like a hard one, but it’s surprising how many leaders struggle with this. Taking criticism well is a great first step. Willingness to hear other people’s input and ideas can often lead to innovative and game-changing growth, as well. An “open door policy” fosters loyalty, keeps communication lines open, builds camaraderie and can often help catch what might have been a catastrophic oversight or an easily avoidable mistake. Don’t worry about your openness undermining the strength of your leadership. Being willing to listen doesn’t guarantee you have to take every suggestion; it strengthens your position and increases leadership longevity.– Nicole Smartt, Co-Owner/Vice President, Star Staffing.
11. Work Ethic
Being a leader means walking the walk. It’s important to show your team and employees that you are putting 110 percent into your company. Making the most sales calls, hustling PR placement, striking seemingly achievable deals and working nonstop are a few things that show off a dedicated leader. If you do these things, your employees will follow and try to compete with your work ethic. – Ryan Shank, COO,Mhelpdesk.
Like it or not (pun intended!) we are moving into a new generation of workers, and this is what we are being told the new leader needs to look like. Not to different from the old, but maybe a little softer and gentler. I don’t think the old leader was bad. You decide.
Make it a great day!