3 Traits That Make You An Effective Leader In The 21st Century

You want your career to progress so you can make a positive difference.

But you struggle with the expectation that the ‘ideal’ leader should be extraverted and that you are somehow not enough for your team.

Our culture tells us effective leaders are extraverted, even though there’s zero evidence that extroverts make better leaders than introverts do.

The traditional idea of a leader is of someone gregarious, a dynamic talker who leads from the front and enjoys the spotlight.

Introverted leaders spend more time listening and thinking than they do talking and often lead by collaboration or behind-the-scenes. We have an unassuming demeanour and speak softly.

No wonder you question if you’ve got what it takes to lead.

I’m calling time on the idea that leaders have to be extraverted. It’s simply not true.

Keep reading or watch the video to understand the 3 traits that make you an effective leader in the 21st century.

Listening

The command and control style of top-down leadership is old hat. Gone are the days of a charismatic individual with all the answers dispensing instructions from on high.

Millennials and Generation Z, who grew up with social media, expect to be heard, share their ideas and communicate with their leaders without reference to hierarchy.

Leaders who listen give people space to share ideas, be heard and are open to many points of view. That leads to engaged, motivated teams and better results.

Deep Thinking & Reflection

Introverts are often great at thinking deeply to synthesise ideas and create innovative solutions.

You enjoy reflecting on and analysing difficult problems – we need leaders who can do that in an ever-more-complex world.

The climate emergency is not going to be solved by impressive speeches and posturing. We need leaders who can hear the problem, seek views about what the solutions might be and sustain serious, deep thought about what needs to be done, how, and bring people with them. The world needs your thoughtful style.

Sharing the Spotlight

You can step into the spotlight when you need to (or learn to do it). But you don’t feel any great need for attention.

That means you’re comfortable with others taking their moment in the sun. You don’t always have to be the one doing the presentation, leading the meeting or schmoozing the important donor.

Your humility opens up opportunities for others to shine, to develop new skills and take on more responsibility. That’s an essential quality for leading a workforce of Millennials and Generation Z.

Make more impact

If you’re reading this but not feeling the truth of what I’m saying, you’re invited to take a look at my Rise programme. It will help you stop doubting and comparing yourself to others. Instead you’ll feel confident in your capabilities, knowing you have what it takes to be an effective leader.

Click here to book a quick call and I’ll share details.