Five Great Habits of a Successful Leader

Successful leaders go far beyond doling out assignments and answering questions for their subordinates. While there is no single tried-and-true approach to leadership, there are several common characteristics that most great leaders possess. Check out five great habits of a successful leader to see how you rate.

1. Make Communication a Two-Way Street

A successful leader must be clear and concise when communicating instructions, advice or policies to her employees, but she also needs to possess good listening skills. Take the time to listen to your subordinates when they come to you with a question, problem or suggestion. Fostering a work environment with open communication ensures that your employees feel trusted, valued and comfortable to discuss important issues with you.

2. Practice Ethical Behavior

Demonstrating to your employees that you are honest and ethical inspires them to act in accordance. Lying or participating in unethical business practices to succeed shows a lack of integrity and gives others the impression that you don't believe in your organization or its employees. Practice honesty with your superiors, subordinates and clients to establish a work environment where honesty is valued.

3. Be Proactive

A successful leader doesn't wait until things fall apart to adopt change or create a fix. Be proactive in your approach to leadership. If a company policy is hindering productivity, identify the issue and take steps to adapt the policy to better suit the organization's needs rather than waiting until output numbers hit an all-time low. Rely on your industry experience and knowledge of your employees to recognize when changes are needed.

4. Empower Your Employees

Avoid being the type of leader who micromanages subordinates and makes every decision on her own. Build a workforce of knowledgeable, intelligent and capable individuals who are able to think for themselves and handle important decision-making. If you constantly question or second-guess an employee's work, it shows a lack of confidence in your workforce. Employees who are trusted to make decisions in their areas of expertise feel valued and empowered.

5. Display Humility and Confidence

A successful leader walks a fine line between being humble and arrogant. Displaying an air of confidence lets employees and clients know that you are knowledgeable, experienced and capable of handling your position. Demonstrate humility by listening to and respecting the thoughts and opinions of your workforce. Rather than taking credit for the success of your organization, use "we" statements that show your appreciation for the hard work of others.

Adopting great habits for managing employees helps you become a more successful leader and develops trust between yourself and your subordinates. Open the doors of communication so your subordinates feel comfortable coming to you with issues, and put confidence in your employees to make decisions on their own.

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