The Myth Of The Perfect Leader
Do you think you’re a perfect leader? On this episode of Leadership Hustle, Andrea and Michelle dive into the heart of leadership, challenging common perceptions of what makes a great leader. Amidst rapid company growth and the pressing need for effective leadership development coaching, they pose the crucial question: What are the essential qualities of the best leaders? What one person views as an exemplary leader may differ from another's perspective. They highlight the situational nature of leadership and the importance of aligning with followers' values and needs. Andrew and Michelle present a curated list of qualities that resonate with many leaders, including humility, emotional intelligence, follow-through on commitments, and a surprising yet contagious trait - intellectual curiosity.
"Leadership Hustle" invites aspiring and established leaders to join the conversation, share their thoughts on additional leadership qualities, and explore more resources for leadership development. This episode is a must-listen for executives navigating the complexities of leadership in fast-growing companies and anyone passionate about advancing their leadership journey.
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The Formula for Perfect Leadership
Is there a formula for perfect leadership? What does it really take to be the best? Leadership remains one of the most dissected and debated topics in the world of business – and rightly so. Are your ideas of leadership right? In this Leadership Hustle podcast episode, we challenge your preconceived and established ideas of what it is to be a good leader.
Debunking the Leadership Myth
Leadership isn’t a formula, and those who claim to have mastered the art of it are just sharing what has worked for them in a specific industry. In reality, leadership is as dynamic as the individuals and the collectives it serves. It evolves with cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the very idea of what it means to work and belong. Effective leadership, then, is less about ticking off character traits on someone else’s checklist and more about what our team values and what people decide to follow.
The Qualities of Today's Leaders
So, while there's no universal checklist, certain qualities are valued when we talk about a good leader. Here are our non-negotiables:
Humility
Emotional Intelligence
Do what you say you are going to do
Intellectual curiosity
Let’s explore in more depth why we believe this is essential for strong leadership in today’s society.
Authenticity and Transparency
Leadership can feel like a double-edged sword. On one side, there's the authority that comes with the title; on the other, the vulnerability that often gets swept under the rug. Transparency in decision-making, clear communication, and an authentic persona are what will make you a good leader, no matter the industry. Leaders who bring their whole selves to the table often find themselves with a seat in the hearts of their teams, not just at the head of the table.
Emotional Intelligence
The realm of leadership is as much about intellect as it is about emotion. High emotional intelligence is the X-factor that allows leaders to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team. It’s about empathy, about reading between lines and silences, and about creating a work culture where emotional health is as valued as productivity.
Do What you Say you Are Going to Do
Integrity is key for any leader. Employees need to see their leaders as trustworthy and reliable, both in words and actions. As a leader, it’s important to follow through on commitments and promises. This builds trust within the team and shows that you are true to your word. Be transparent about your struggles and times, but always commit to the end goal you promise. When leaders lead by example and practice what they preach, employees are more likely to follow suit.
Intellectual Curiosity
Good leaders aren't just made; they are constantly being remade. Stagnation is the enemy when it comes to any king company.Leaders who embrace intellectual curiosity are constantly seeking new knowledge, perspectives, and ideas. They actively seek out opportunities for learning through various means, such as reading, attending seminars or workshops, and engaging with others.
This constant pursuit of growth allows leaders to stay relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape. It also shows employees that their leader values continuous improvement and is open to different perspectives.
Acknowledging failure is a rite of passage all great leaders go through. It’s not about celebrating the falter but extracting the lessons etched in the disappointment and using them as stepping stones to future successes. Moreover, intellectual curiosity moves people who are attracted to this type of characteristic and will ultimately help your leadership grow.
No Leader is an Island
Leaders should foster relationships t with their peers and employees. Their collective wisdom is the greenhouse for ideation and growth that propels companies forward. A leader is someone who helps others grow and make a company stronger, and this role won’t be possible without a strong team. The perfect leader isn't born from the crucible of a formula but rather from the resilience, adaptability, and wisdom to know that there is no perfection, only progression.
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About the Hosts
Andrea Fredrickson
Andrea Fredrickson is a thought leader and consultant at Revela, an organization based in Omaha, Nebraska specializing in the development of leaders, culture alignment, and business strategy for private and family businesses of all sizes. Revela is one of the region's most experienced thought challengers, helping individuals and companies find their greatness. Andrea has built an amazing team by believing that fundamentally people want to be successful and become better versions of themselves.
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Andrea has degrees in education, management, and business. She is the author of Insight Unseen; How to lead with 20/20 business vision. She helps people see things differently, self-reflect, and never stop looking for ways to improve themselves on a personal and professional level. Andrea has spent more than 30 years researching and developing methods to help people communicate and lead more effectively.
When Andrea isn’t working with clients, you’ll find her spending time with her family & friends and making memories by exploring new cities.
Michelle Hill
Michelle Hill is a master facilitator and coach at Revela, an organization specializing in the development of leaders and aligning the culture of privately held and family businesses of all sizes. Revela is one of the region's most experienced thought challengers, helping individuals and companies find their greatness.
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An ambitious leader, Michelle has the natural ability to create forward momentum to build teams and get results. She inspires others to look within themselves and to challenge the status quo. She helps create high-performing environments. Michelle brings a diverse background: operations, employee development, and sales in the steel, hospitality, and consulting industries.
Outside of work, you will see her competitive side engaged in her daughter’s sports and ISU athletics. She loves life, her four-legged companions, and captures all the moments through her camera’s lens.
TRANSCRIPT
Andrea Frederickson: If you're listening to this, you probably have an opinion about what it takes to be the best leader. In this episode at the Leadership Puzzle, we're going to challenge what you think about what it takes to be a great leader. Hello and welcome to the leadership puzzle for executives whose companies are growing fast and need leaders who are ready for leadership development coaching. The question the question that gets asked all the time is, So what are the qualities that make the best leaders? Like what's. It's almost like, what's the perfect leader? Michelle How do you answer that question?