Courageous leadership doesn’t just happen. To truly influence others, a leader needs to focus on achieving goals while also inspiring and empowering the people who make those goals possible. These attributes are contagious, spreading throughout the organization as team members emulate the leader’s values. A leader who embodies these principles demonstrates courage, navigating a challenging path that demands resilience and integrity.
The following attributes, intentionally starting with the letter “C,” are designed to be memorable and impactful:
Demonstrate competence. Knowing the difference between a job well done and poor performance is crucial. Incompetent leaders struggle to explain how and why tasks are accomplished. Without this understanding, they cannot withstand pressure or effectively lead their teams. Competence builds trust and respect, essential for effective leadership.
Gain confidence. Confidence comes from understanding how individual tasks contribute to the bigger picture. Once you have confidence in your own abilities, you can instill it in others through affirmation and support. Leaders often tell their teams to “understand the big picture,” but fail to connect daily tasks to overarching goals. Bridging this gap builds confidence and fosters a shared sense of purpose.
Provide counsel. Offer guidance where appropriate, fostering clear thinking and wise decision-making. Be open to advice from others, regardless of their rank or position. Leaders who believe they don’t need advice are often blinded by their own arrogance. Seeking counsel demonstrates humility and a commitment to continuous learning.
Show compassion. Remember that you are leading people, not just managing tasks. In demanding environments, compassion is often overlooked. However, it’s a sign of humanity, not weakness. Compassionate leaders understand the challenges their team members face and provide support and understanding.
Insist on correction. Leaders who overlook errors or shortcuts for convenience are ultimately undermining their team and the organization. There is no right way to do something incorrectly. This behavior leads to weaknesses and failures. Effective leaders address mistakes promptly and constructively, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Offer a celebration. Create a workplace culture that recognizes and celebrates achievements. Acknowledge good work publicly and frequently. Recognition can be as valuable as any other benefit. Celebrating successes boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviors.
Issue a challenge. While high performers are self-motivated, most people tend to do just enough to get by. Issue realistic challenges that raise the bar for those who are underachieving. If you believe your team is underperforming, consider whether expectations are too low. Challenging your team fosters growth and encourages them to reach their full potential.
Be consistent. Inconsistent leadership creates uncertainty and fear. Leaders whose behavior is unpredictable create collateral damage. People want to know who they are working for and be assured they are treated fairly. While it’s natural to have favorites, effective leaders remain objective when handling preferences and problems. Consistency builds trust and stability within the team.
– Jim McNeff, editor-in-chief, Law Enforcement Today