At my book presentation, my first supervisor was present: Leen.
It was a great honor for me.
At that time, I had a different background than most employees within the data and telecommunications company where we worked.
One of the most important aspects I appreciated in Leen was that he gave me every opportunity to spread my wings, to learn, and to make mistakes. And after a few months, I was asked to join the management team.
As you know, a leader has a great effect on the well-being of a company’s employees. Often, I ask employees and managers within organizations to think about the leaders they have had in their careers. I do this during leadership sessions, in executive search interviews with candidates, and in one-on-one sessions. I then ask two questions:
- Which leader has made the most impression on you?
- What were his/her qualities that you valued most?
The answers I receive often coincide. Here are a few of those answers:
- “He communicated in an open manner, he always involved us in the process.”
- “We were involved in the plans, I felt heard.”
- “She was always deeply involved, both in our ideas and in us personally.”
- “He encouraged me to further develop myself in my profession and as a person.”
What does this say about the qualities of valued and respected leaders?
- High Awareness
A highly developed awareness is an EQ quality (Emotional Intelligence). These leaders are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They are well aware of their actions, emotions, attitudes, and the effect they have on others. They ask themselves questions that keep them sharp and alert, and they regularly ask their employees for feedback. - Genuine Attention
In conversations, they have genuine and full attention for their conversation partner. They are not – as I often experience – thinking about something else or distracted by, for example, their mobile phone. They are good listeners and ask good (open) questions. - Respect
Valued leaders have a basic attitude of respect. Respect for who someone is at their core. Respect for another person’s worldview. This usually means they judge less or not at all. This attitude makes leaders humble and curious. - Curiosity
Valued leaders are curious. They assume they can always learn something from others. A good example is Richard Branson (Virgin Group). He interviews many employees, from top to bottom. And he always carries a notebook to record tips and insights he gains. He is still curious, eager to learn.
The above qualities lead to a stronger bond with the team and create stronger feelings of trust, safety, and involvement.
Want to know how you can further strengthen engagement and trust within your team? Read my book “My Best Team Ever! In 7 Steps to Golden Leadership“.
