Six Keys to Effective Leadership

In his many years spent around and among top leaders, CEO Adam Contos has identified six key traits of the absolute best. Integrating these leadership essentials into your own life or business could make all the difference for you.

TRAIT #1: THE RIGHT MINDSET

If you have a can-do attitude, approach each day as a new opportunity, and are open to pivoting when obstacles demand it, you have the makings of a great leader. Conversely, if you have a negative attitude and no real values, you’re destined to fail. So, before you can lead in a productive, constructive way, your mindset needs to be right.

TRAIT #2: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Developing EQ involves recognizing and leveraging the emotions of yourself and others. Regulating your emotions has five parts:

• Self-awareness – Take notice

• Self-regulation – Assess and align

• Motivation – Channel energy toward your goals

• Empathy – Watch for reactions

• Social Skills – Set and communicate expectations

TRAIT #3: EMOTIONAL MATURITY

Emotional maturity depends on having specific, calculated goals and plans in place. It also requires you to practice discipline in working toward those goals. When you’re emotionally mature, you’re willing to address problems quickly and accept responsibility for your decisions – in the past and into the future.

TRAIT #4: BEING COACHABLE

In your quest for constant improvement, do you seek out guidance and advice? If so, you’re coachable – and the right coach can help you unlock your potential and move closer to the success you’re after. If you go this route, be ready for commitment and accountability – two essentials in any coaching relationship.

TRAIT #5: STRATEGIC THINKING

Life and business contain endless variables and possibilities, so the ability to grasp new strategies and tactics is crucial. To be a great leader, you have to constantly evaluate where you are, where you want to be, how you’re going to get there, what obstacles you might face, and how you’re going to stay motivated. It’s high-level chess, requiring clear focus at all times.

TRAIT #6: CONSISTENCY

Great leaders are like athletes who perfect their skills by doing the same things over and over again. They find success through repetition and small adjustments made over time. The process requires patience, so be prepared for monotony and boredom. In the end, it will be worth every minute you put into it.

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