Hey there, ambitious babes! 👋
Let’s talk leadership. Whether you’re running a team, building a side hustle, or just owning your day-to-day like the powerhouse you are, leadership is all about inspiring others and showing up for yourself. But what really makes a good leader? Spoiler alert: It’s not about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room.
Here are the five must-have traits that set great leaders apart—and yes, you’ve totally got this! But if you feel like you don’t and you want to up your game, we’ve included some resources for each trait:
1. Communication Queen
Good leaders know how to get their point across without the drama. It’s about sharing your vision clearly, giving feedback that actually helps, and listening—like really listening. Bonus points if you can drop a killer Slack message or nail that "let's sync" Zoom call without boring your team to tears.
Resources:
Book: "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
- Learn how to handle difficult conversations and communicate effectively under pressure.
Podcast: The Art of Charm
- This podcast offers episodes on effective communication, confidence, and building relationships in professional and personal contexts.
Tool: Grammarly
- Improve your written communication with real-time grammar, tone, and clarity suggestions.
2. Emotional Intelligence for the Win
EQ > IQ. Seriously. The best leaders are self-aware and know how to read the room. They’re empathetic, handle conflict like pros, and keep it cool under pressure. Think of this as your superpower for connecting with people and making them feel like they belong at the table.
Resources:
Book: "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves.
- A practical guide to understanding and improving your EQ with actionable tips and self-assessments.
Course: "Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work" on LinkedIn Learning.
- Develop EQ skills to build stronger professional relationships and navigate workplace challenges.
App: Moodpath
- Track your emotional patterns and learn mindfulness techniques to better understand and manage your emotions.
3. Flex Like a Pro
Adaptability is the name of the game. Things change—markets shift, plans fail, surprise deadlines pop up (ugh). A great leader doesn’t panic; they pivot. Staying flexible shows your team you’ve got their back no matter what’s thrown your way.
Resources:
Book: "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson.
- A quick read on embracing change and finding opportunities in uncertainty.
Course: "Adaptability: The Key to Success in a Rapidly Changing World" on Udemy.
- Learn techniques to build resilience and adaptability in personal and professional life.
Tool: Trello
- A project management app that helps you stay organized and adapt plans quickly when priorities shift.
4. Big Picture Babe
Vision and strategy are your BFFs. Leaders don’t just chase to-do lists; they’re the ones dreaming up the next big thing and figuring out how to make it happen. Help your team see the bigger purpose behind their work, and watch their motivation skyrocket.
Resources:
Book: "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.
- Focus on what truly matters to achieve your goals and inspire others to do the same.
Podcast: Freakonomics Radio
- Offers fascinating insights into decision-making, strategy, and understanding systems at a macro level.
Tool: Miro
- A virtual whiteboard for brainstorming, strategy mapping, and collaborating on big ideas with your team.
5. Integrity, Always
Let’s keep it real: Trust is everything. Great leaders lead by example, do what they say they will, and make decisions based on values—not convenience. When your team knows you’ve got their best interests at heart, they’ll follow you anywhere.
Resources:
Book: "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown.
- Learn how to lead with courage, vulnerability, and authenticity while maintaining trust.
Course: "Leading with Integrity" on Coursera by the University of Illinois.
- Explore how to develop ethical decision-making and lead with values.
Tool: Notion
- Use Notion to track goals, decisions, and team updates transparently, ensuring accountability for yourself and your team.
So, ready to step up your leadership game? Remember, no one’s born a leader—it’s something you grow into with time, practice, and a whole lot of heart. Start with these five traits, and watch the magic happen.
Now go out there and lead like the total rockstar you are. ✨
Stay Ambitious,
