8 Key Hallmarks Of Exceptional Leaders

Written by: Dianne McKim, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Who is it that comes to mind when you hear the words leader or leadership? Perhaps you think of someone you’ve worked for. Perhaps you think of a political figure like Franklin D. Roosevelt or a religious figure like Martin Luther King Jr. Perhaps you think of great business leaders like Steve Jobs or Dan Cathy.

Whoever comes to mind, there are definitely varying approaches to implement successful leadership. Being an exceptional leader who influences others well does not require you to have direct reports or be in charge. There are varying models, approaches and disciplines that leaders have used over the years. Whichever one you choose, there are several key hallmarks that exceptional leaders possess.

Purposeful conversation

• listen deeply

• ask good strong probing questions

• always employ respectful conversation

• demonstrate encouragement and humility in all situations (even if a mistake is made)

• help others discover what can be done to avoid the mistake in the future without harshness or scolding

Cultivate relationships

• get to know your people

• take the time to understand their world both professionally and personally

• extend care and concern

Servant leadership

• develop and align the employee’s sense of purpose with the company’s mission;

• solicit the employees’ observations and impressions

• let them know their thoughts are valued

Continual learning

• read, read, read

• leaders are learners

Willingness to mentor

• give ownership

• relinquish power

• let others lead projects, tasks, teams

• enable them to lead

• encourage

Professional development

• for themselves

• for their staff

• unlock potential, creativity, and sense of purpose

• leverage the employee strengths

Trust

• overall umbrella for successful leadership

• staff must know you are trustworthy

• Mutual trust between you and your employees and those you need to influence

Vision for the future

• see what can be and inspire your team toward that vision

• enable them to act to support the vision

• show how the vision is for the common good

• belief in the vision

• spark inspiration and get others on board

All leaders can learn and grow into these essential qualities. Don’t wait until you are in charge. You can start today to implement these and be that leader with an influential presence.

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Dianne McKim, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dianne McKim is a leader in personal, professional, and spiritual coaching. She has the depth of experience, training, and certifications to provide her clients the transformation they need to excel. Whether your team needs to maximize productivity and cohesiveness, your underperforming employee needs help to improve, you need help in life to overcome obstacles, or you desire to move forward from whatever is holding you back, Dianne is the coach who can make it happen. Her clients say it best "If you are looking for someone who will help you grow as an individual, work better with a team, or simply get “unstuck” and discover your purpose for being, Dianne will certainly challenge you and work with the unique individual/organization you are."