Leadership has changed in recent years to reflect different mindsets. As upcoming generations enter the workforce and move into independent roles, new viewpoints have taken shape. A part of successful leadership is recognizing these changes.
Rather than taking a management stance, it’s time to look at leadership as an overall approach to promoting action. It’s important to realize that successful leadership involves assisting others in growth rather than dictating what they should be doing.
While the process might have changed, encouraging movement towards the end result remains the same. We’ll discover six points to consider for becoming a successful leader and gaining influence regardless of the setting.
In This Article
The Focus of Successful Leadership
Before we look at the six C’s of leadership, it’s important to understand the correct approach for success. As quality of life has become a greater focus, it’s created opportunities and interests for personal growth.
The heart of this movement is the thought that “there’s got to be something better.” Instead of becoming sub servant to managers dictating what must take place, upcoming generations are realizing that surely more exists than struggling with little to show for it.
Those in leadership not accepting of this new mindset will likely miss nuances that create successful steps. Instead of taking control of every part of what is happening, a better design is to encourage others to realize their own strengths.
The right approach allows them to walk in personal success which increases confidence and productivity. Inspiring those in your sphere of influence to recognize their abilities creates a purposeful way to help engage forward momentum.
Understanding the 6 C’s for Successful Leadership
Now let’s look at the six steps used by successful leaders. The secret is to look within before shining the light on those around you, especially where criticism is involved.
As we unpack the following points, try to maintain a mindset of self-reflection. This will help promote understanding of each step and create a view that pertains in any situation you encounter.
Character
It’s easy to look to others and find the fault in what they do. However, a strong leader understands that their own character sets the tone for everyone around them.
Taking time to develop good character is a must for successful leadership. Not only does it promote better health for you, but it cascades to those in your immediate vicinity.
Imagine situations where someone is angry and harsh versus powerful yet gentle. The first example creates a vibe of discomfort and even fear, whereas the second allows room for consideration and correction.
No one is perfect, and it’s vital to turn attention to your own thoughts and choices first. Are you kind, approachable, and encouraging? Or are you fierce and scary?
Try identifying how you respond to others. Are you patient and considerate of mistakes? Do you realize that kindness allows room for growth? Do you encourage others when things are difficult? Are you quick to take responsibility and pursue truth, or do you blame others?
Another reflection of your character is how you make corrections. A tendency for harshness promotes less response. But if you approach with explanation and leniency, others are much more likely to go the distance with you while learning and respecting your requests.
One of the greatest characteristics of a successful leader is perseverance. Not simply pushing forward at all costs, but making sure others are like minded and continuing steps toward the finish line.
Compassion
Along with good character comes compassion. One point in this category is being approachable. Displaying this characteristic allows others to feel safe in your presence.
Great leaders understand that taking interest in those around them isn’t weakness but gentleness. This concept is power under control, and it creates a safe space. Encouraging this for others in your realm also promotes better teamwork.
Showing compassion—and leading with it—shows everyone that it’s good to have empathy and help one another. Compassion not only creates better bonds within the group, but it also dissolves conniving competition and increases effort.
Another benefit of compassion is the sharpening of emotional intelligence. It’s important to be open to others but also to have the ability to read their demeanor and how they react in situations. This is a superpower that creates strength for the team and increases involvement and conflict resolution.
When you present with empathy and humility, it promotes success. Not only for team members but also for reaching goals. Compassion helps create more desire to lean in and find solutions through unity.
Communication
Having strong character and showing compassion are first steps to consider, but communication is key for successful leadership. Leaders cannot expect team accomplishments without strong communication.
Skills in both written and verbal communication are important. Clearly relaying information helps promote loyalty and dependability. Concise explanations encourage others to build understanding which can flourish into additional ideas.
Not only should you intentionally explain things, but it’s necessary to follow up with your team. One of the worst mistakes leaders make is assuming everyone is on the same page. Time and resources can be wasted when this happens.
Revisiting situations allows increased unity. A comprehensive part of communication is keeping everyone in the loop and assuring that you’re all on the same path to victory.
If something happens that skews part of the encounter, take responsibility to make sure everyone is kept up to speed. Not only will they be appreciative, but it helps keep you productive and on track.
Clarity
Another point for successful leadership is clarity. This step pairs closely with communication. In fact, clarity is an extension of good communication.
It’s important to ensure that each person has a clear picture of what’s expected and the goals for accomplishment. This approach is proactive rather than reactive.
Clarity is a part of leadership that recognizes the differences in people. Just as everyone has various strengths and weaknesses, relay of information can also cause confusion. How those around you perceive instruction is indicative of the way they lean into goals.
The outcome of a situation depends on your explanations and their interpretations. Preparing for unclear views is one way to stay on your toes and ward off concerns about clarity. If information is presented in a way that everyone is sure to understand, it’s a step toward success. Don’t make assumptions.
In addition, you must continue to gauge the comprehension of each team member. If you leave this to chance, it’s easy for missteps to occur. Intentional actions for follow up are necessary for clarity with successful leadership.
Collaboration
This point incorporates everyone included. It’s an important reflection of the strengths of your team and realizations of what should be done differently.
Good character, compassion, communication, and clarity are all present in successful collaboration. These building blocks help promote the idea that each person has important contributions. It encompasses the idea that everyone matters.
Collaboration involves learning the art of working together. Not only for an end goal, but more importantly to build positive relationships and encourage one another. Authentic collaboration isn’t the place for competitive rivalries and “one upping” someone.
A successful leader understands the power and productive nature in the spirit of collaboration. This action creates comradery that leads to victory while highlighting strengths. With the right approach, strong collaboration initiates ideas intertwined with the willingness to grow.
As your team learns to lean into collaboration, you’ll begin to identify those that possess leadership mentality and skills. This is helpful when building additional teams and designating responsibilities.
One of the best ways to recognize other leaders in the group is to witness how they interact with peers. Take note of members when working together. Is there someone that others naturally migrate to for problem solving? Observing collaboration helps you assess strengths and even additional plans for successful leadership.
Commitment
Successful leaders realize that loyalty and security accompany commitment. Not only does this mindset reflect well on you as a leader, but it encourages the same for your team.
There’s a sense of longevity when you express commitment in verbalizations and actions. This decision creates a safe space for others to focus solely on what is taking place. It promotes better collaboration and result.
Insecurities arise when there are questions regarding the commitment of leadership and others involved. However, leading by example for committed action helps lay a strong foundation for positive outcomes.
Leaning into those around you with compassion in dedicated fashion displays that you’ve placed trust in them. It’s important for the ones you’re relying on to realize your committed. It creates secure actions and builds a more cohesive team.
Gaining Influence for Successful Leadership
The steps mentioned are necessary when developing success in leadership. Why is this the case?
One of the most important points that great leaders accomplish is influence. This pertains not only to other people, but also to the forward movement that takes place. Success comes when you achieve influence as a leader. But how does this happen?
When correct steps are taken, your sphere of influence is increased. Willingness to reflect and commit to personal growth creates pathways for success. As you achieve greater knowledge and understanding, you have more to share. Once you begin to enrich others with this growth, they take note.
As this happens, realizations arise that you have more to offer. As your reach improves, so does your influence. Along with this movement comes greater success in leadership and wisdom in life.
Final Thoughts About Successful Leadership
We’ve addressed how leadership has changed over the years and what mindset is necessary to become a successful leader. A shift has taken place from harsh management methods to leadership with encouragement, health, and growth.
First steps include understanding the six points that were outlined. Each of these hold an important place in successful leadership. When all are present, it’s easy to recognize growth of your team and of yourself.
Gaining influence allows you to become more confident and successful. This happens with willingness to assess your steps and the ones of those around you. It’s an ongoing process and should take place regularly. Following these steps creates successful leadership.