March 30, 2023 | By David M. Wagner

What sets successful leaders apart from those who struggle to make lasting impact?

I’ve known leaders who had great vision, or were charismatic, or were powerful orators.

But the leaders I’ve met who have inspired lasting change don’t always draw attention to themselves. They seem to quietly move mountains. And they leave indelible impressions on the people they lead and the communities they serve.

Five traits these impactful leaders have in common work like superpowers: they transform otherwise “ordinary” people into extraordinary leaders.

Empathy

Leading without regard for emotions is like driving without a steering wheel – you’re overlooking what makes the car (or people) move.

Emotionally intelligent leaders anticipate, sense, acknowledge, and create space for others’ emotions. This empathy enables them to anticipate emotional responses to key decisions and communicate in a way that isn’t tone-deaf.

“That must be exhausting” (or frustrating, or whatever) is a simple, powerful way to express empathy.

Compassion

Getting results does not require being harsh with others. Compassionate leaders are kind without being pushovers – they are gentle and firm on their boundaries.

Show compassion to others, and they will experience the sense of belongingness they need to take new risks and blossom. Show compassion to yourself, and you just might unlock your own mental roadblocks.

Do you practice kindness – to yourself and others?

Curiosity

Even the smartest, most experienced leader cannot be everywhere, see everything, or know all. Tapping into others’ valuable knowledge and experience requires curiosity.

Practice leading through inquiry. Rather than sharing ideas, ask questions. Seek to genuinely understand others’ perspectives. What you learn will help you create better, more inclusive solutions. Getting curious about others will also help unlock your empathy and compassion.

Mindfulness

We don’t like to admit it, but we’re all guilty of running on “autopilot” from time-to-time. We react angrily to an insensitive remark. We confuse the team with a hastily-written email. We overlook a stakeholder when making an urgent decision.

Being a mindful leader starts with increasing our self-awareness. We default to “automatic” and shortcut modes of operating when we feel stressed, anxious, or upset. Mindfulness techniques like meditation help us anticipate and sense our emotions, slow down our responses, and make more intentional choices.

Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck’s research on mindsets points to what sets successful people apart their peers.

It isn’t talent. Successful people believe ability stems from effort, rather than innateness. In turn, they view setbacks as part of the process of learning new skills.

This mindset also applies to leadership. Growth-minded leaders see others not as fixed assets, but as people with boundless potential. They also helping others see themselves that way. In turn, those we lead embrace challenges and bloom into new roles.

What I love most about these “superpowers” is (1) they reinforce each other and (2) anyone can learn them (growth mindset!). And if you’re looking for a coach to help build your leadership superpower muscles, schedule a call with us.