Human Qualities of a Leader
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various skills, strategies, and qualities. While the stereotypical image of a leader often evokes thoughts of power, authority, and decisiveness, it’s crucial to remember that effective leadership is inherently human.
In the dynamic world of IT Consulting, where technology evolves at lightning speed, leadership is more than just a title. It’s a defining characteristic that sets successful firms apart from the competition. While technical expertise is undoubtedly crucial in this field, the human qualities of leadership often determine the trajectory of a business.
According to a Gartner survey, of about 3400 employees, just 29 % report that their leader exhibits human aspects of leadership.
In this article, we will explore the holistic qualities that true leaders possess and how cultivating these traits can lead to long-term success.
Empathy
At the core of humane leadership lies Empathy, the ability to understand and share the emotions of others. Empathetic leaders possess a unique talent for connecting with their team members on a human level, making them approachable and relatable. This leads to a more motivated and engaged workforce, pivotal for delivering exceptional results, to clients. Even when the results are less than desirable, true leaders value the contributions of others and recognize them for their achievements. Empathy is not a sign of weakness but rather a hallmark of great leaders who acknowledge the feelings and needs of their followers.
According to Zippia, 79% of employees will quit their jobs due to a lack of appreciation.
A Harvard Business Review study found that teams led by empathetic leaders outperform their counterparts by 40%.
Authenticity
Being true to oneself helps to maintain authenticity. When genuine and transparent, leaders inspire trust and create a culture where others feel comfortable being themselves.
Authentic leaders don’t put on a façade or conform to expectations that don’t align with their principles. Authenticity breeds trust with clients and team members alike. Trust is the foundation of a cohesive and productive work environment, allowing teams to collaborate effectively and deliver exceptional results.
By being authentic, leaders create a workplace culture that encourages openness and authenticity among their team members as well.
Servant Leadership
Leaders who practice servant leadership prioritize the growth and well-being of others before their own. They foster a supportive environment, empower others, and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Being a Servant Leader entails being there for your team, offering guidance, and helping team members develop their skills and careers. It shows that a leader genuinely cares about the growth and well-being of their people, creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
True intentions and thoughtfulness of genuine leaders never go unnoticed by the team.
Adaptability
The IT landscape is ever-changing, with new technologies, methodologies, and challenges emerging regularly. This makes it imperative for the leaders to be adaptive to stay ahead. They need to be flexible and must embrace change, continuously learning and evolving with the industry.
Leaders who exhibit adaptability set a powerful example for their teams. They demonstrate that change can be an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
Being adaptable ensures that leaders can effectively navigate uncertainties and guide their teams through challenges. A leader’s capacity to adapt and guide their team through turbulent times can determine the company’s resilience and long-term success.
Cultural Competence
True leaders have an understanding and appreciation for various cultures.
In an increasingly diverse world, leaders who possess cultural competence can navigate and appreciate different cultural norms, values, and perspectives. This skill enables leaders to build inclusive environments, leverage diverse talents, and effectively lead teams comprising individuals from various backgrounds.
Conclusion
By cultivating qualities such as empathy, authenticity, adaptability, servant leadership, and cultural competence, leaders can position their companies for long-term success. These human qualities of leadership are not just desirable traits, they are blueprints for excellence in IT consulting.
One research found a 37-percentage point increase in no. of employees reporting high engagement who report to human leaders vs. those who do not consider their leader to be a human. (Source: Gartner)
It is evident that having a genuine leader not only increases employee engagement but also has a profound impact on creating a positive company culture.
Only 10 % of people are natural leaders. (source: Zippia)
However, leadership skills can be developed by learning, practice, and real-world experiences.
According to Zipdo, High-quality Leadership Development programs can lead to a 23% increase in organizational revenue.
