There are various leadership models, which have been validated over the years. I am particularly drawn to the Everything DiSC 363® for Leaders Model, which identifies many practices as part of eight (8) key approaches, in particular: Pioneering, Energizing, Affirming, Inclusive, Humble, Deliberate, Resolute and Commanding.
1. Pioneering: A pioneering leader encourages the group to think creatively about their business decisions and take chances on new opportunities.
2. Energizing: An energizing leader builds enthusiasm for the group’s goals and develops a wide network of professional connections.
3. Affirming: An affirming leader is approachable and helps people feel good about their work environment and their contributions.
4. Inclusive: An inclusive leader gets a variety of people involved in the decision-making process and shows concern for their opinions and feelings.
5. Humble: A humble leader maintains a modest, composed demeanor and can be relied upon to make decisions fairly.
6. Deliberate: A deliberate leader provides a sense of stability for the group by communicating clearly and ensuring that decisions are made carefully.
7. Resolute: A resolute leader is highly determined and persistent. They have the inner strength to give people courage during hard times. They tend to be natural skeptics; and they like to see things done the “right” way.
8. Commanding: A commanding leader takes charge of situations with confidence and urges others to get results.
Listen and Know the Status of the Work and Team
It might be safe to say that the best leaders are not simply effective communicators – they are likely good listeners.
Research reveals that some leaders, based upon their natural style listen more effectively than others. Yet, the leader who is commanding or resolute is not necessarily a bad listener. She/he might have a great sense of the “pulse” of the team.
An effective leader can be counted on to know what is going on in his/her team. This includes a willingness to listen to the status of projects, the successes and challenges, the budget and utilization of staff, and the level of customer satisfaction, to name a few.
So too, it is important to have a sense of the team’s morale? Are team members feeling stressed or tired? If so, what will you as the leader do about it to show that you understand where they are at?
It has been said that nearly all people want the same three things – to be happy, to experience freedom, and to enjoy peace of mind. As leaders, it is uncanny how listening to others - helping them to be happy, giving them the freedom to do their work in creative ways, and fostering their peace will be contagious and spread to others including customers and other stakeholders.