If you want your team to be more productive, happier, more committed to the project, and last longer at the company, you have to be more than just a boss. And the only way to achieve this is to learn to identify the four traits that distinguish commanding from leading :  

Being a leader is knowing how to communicate 

Leadership is largely about mobilizing, influencing, and guiding other professionals toward continuous improvement and the achievement of ambitious goals. That’s why leaders are extraordinary communicators. And we’re not just talking about speeches on special occasions.  We’re talking about humility, empathy, and close, daily contact.      

Leadership is based on trust 

A boss who attends every meeting and has to be involved in everything isn’t a good leader. And not just because he or she doesn’t know how to delegate. That, of course, creates inefficiencies and friction. The biggest problem is that subordinates don’t feel trusted.  Because when you feel like they’re not trusted, you lose interest and motivation, and you may even begin to doubt your abilities.   

A good leader is empathetic  

A leader sees and treats team members as complete human beings, not mere workers. Hence, the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding the personal difficulties that may temporarily reduce the team’s performance. The most talented professionals are fully committed to projects because they remember how their bosses and colleagues committed to them.   

To lead is to be honest 

Honesty is a fundamental value for any leader.  The best leaders manage with openness, a clear strategic vision, and recognition of   their employees’ merits. Leaders keep their promises whenever they can, and when they can’t, they explain why. They aren’t afraid to admit there are factors beyond their control; this is proof of their humility.    

Guide to the main types of leaders.  What are you like?

Thanks Boss!

What would you say about your boss if you didn’t think he was listening? We wanted to find out… Discover this emotional social experiment with inspiring leaders.