I am always thrilled to share insightful research from Gallup, a global management consulting and research organisation known for delving deep into the psyche of leaders. One of their articles they highlighted eight behaviours exhibited by the world’s most exceptional leaders. Here are the 8 behaviours, accompanied by my own observations:
1. Connect purpose to individual and team action: It is essential for every employee to understand the “why” behind their work, beyond mere obedience. Our coaching model brilliantly embeds this principle, ensuring team members comprehend the purpose behind their tasks. Consider asking the question “why” more frequently to reinforce this connection.
2. Shine a light on the opinions of others and make them count: Great leaders understand that they don’t possess all the answers. In fact, they actively seek input from their team, as it fosters motivation and encourages innovation.
3. Coach your team in a way that allows for genuine candour: Honest conversations and addressing behavioural issues when necessary are crucial aspects of effective leadership.
4. Commit to one meaningful conversation a week with each team member: This conversation need not be limited to work-related matters; instead, it should create an open space for team members to express themselves freely.
5. Unlock human motivation by connecting work to a person’s innate tendencies: To understand and motivate your team, engage in deeper conversations to identify their triggers and align their responsibilities with their passions.
6. Recognise and reward excellence: This seemingly simple yet often overlooked practice holds immense power. Shift your focus from catching people making mistakes to acknowledging their accomplishments. This act of recognition serves as a tremendous source of motivation and requires minimal effort on your part.
7. Care about your employees as real people: Remember the wise saying, “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.” Approachability, empathy, and understanding are essential traits for leaders to cultivate.
8. Make your number one job the development of new stars: Exceptional leaders possess the ability to coach their team members, helping them unlock their full potential. By prioritising their growth and providing guidance, you will witness positive outcomes such as increased productivity, improved morale, and enhanced teamwork.
I trust that these eight behaviours have provided you with valuable insights. Take a moment to reflect on which areas you need to work on to further enhance your leadership skills. Embracing these steps will undoubtedly propel you towards becoming an exceptional leader who inspires and empowers others.
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Ultimate Retail Sales Experience” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
