Practice these 7 habits to master business leadership

In my forthcoming book, tentatively titled “The Future of Leadership Is Human,” slated for release in winter 2024, I delve into the essence of exceptional leadership. Through two decades of experience as an executive coach, I’ve observed a striking blend of traits among these leaders: an unwavering drive for results intertwined with profound personal humility.

These leaders, while modest and steeped in integrity, possess a resolute commitment to achieving outcomes by shifting the spotlight away from themselves and consistently acknowledging the contributions of others. I’ve distilled their practices into seven key habits:

1. Empowering Others: Humble leaders are secure enough to let others shine. This liberating strategy not only empowers individuals but also fosters greater respect and trust in the leader.
2. Owning Mistakes: Despite healthy egos, humble leaders readily admit their faults instead of concealing them. Uttering the simple phrase “I was wrong” and acknowledging others’ correctness cultivates peace of mind and garners respect.
3. Seeking Feedback: They actively solicit input from various sources, including their own team members, on their leadership effectiveness. Asking “How am I doing?” requires humility, and truly considering the responses requires even more.
4. Crediting Others: Humble leaders deflect attention from themselves and ensure that their team members receive due recognition. This fosters a sense of fulfillment among employees.
5. Authenticity: They refrain from sugarcoating or insincerity, remaining true to themselves and their values in words and actions.
6. Continuous Learning: Humble leaders prioritize curiosity and open-mindedness, valuing opportunities to learn from others. They eagerly ask questions and genuinely listen to the answers.
7. Cultivating Trust: They nurture an environment where individuals feel safe to take risks, share ideas openly, and contribute to major decisions. This trust-based culture fosters innovation and collaboration.

These leaders, by prioritizing both results and people, emerge as unequivocal winners in the realm of leadership. Their relational approach not only drives success but also unlocks boundless potential within organizations. Mastering humility, therefore, offers a distinct competitive advantage in the modern landscape of leadership.

Re-reported from the article originally published in INC.