One of the lesser talked about qualities of a leader is stability. While we’re so focused on becoming visionary, innovative and purposeful leaders we tend to overlook the simpler and central qualities of leadership, i.e. a stable leader. Sure those are all great and necessary attributes as well, however, stability accounts for much more than what we value it as. When it’s not there, the lack of stability is highlighted as the reason for a leader’s failure.
If you were to think of the worst leader you’ve come across you’ll probably imagine someone who’s ill-tempered, unpredictable, inconsistent and generally not able to handle pressure well. You’ll think of a short sighted leader who’s probably easily influenced by just about anyone, builds anxiety (in themselves and the team) and who changes their strategy and mind as frequently as they change their shirt. An unstable leader is precisely what organizations and people avoid as they harm cultures, kill trust and increase the likelihood of top talent turnover.
As a stable leader you’re able to develop a leadership brand that’s built on trust, consistency, a composed temperament and a solid influencer. All these are handy elements that boost your ability to build a high performing team around you. And that’s because when your team sees you as a stable leader they’ll see competence, capability and trust. People tend to be drawn to such these characteristics and with it, you’ll be able to influence your team’s behavior and output.
So how do you transcend your leadership into the zone of stability? Here’s how:
1. Continuously Learning
Admitting that what you know today will be irrelevant in the future is a sign that you’re continuously on the hunt for knowledge. This fact is important for a stable leader because it’s the foundational attribute that holds everything else in place. With a relentless appetite for knowledge through training, learning and developing you’ll equip and prepare yourself for many challenges and obstacles. This is how you’ll ensure you’re always able to maintain stability and deliver consistently.
2. Staying True To Your Principles
When you’re a leader supported by a team of talented and intelligent individuals you’ll be flourished with advice and input from everywhere. As an attribute of a great leader, you’ll obviously be open minded to everyone’s opinion and advice. However, as a stable leader, you’ll stay true to your principles and hold firm to your convictions. Altering your opinion, perception and strategies at the whim of anyone’s advice is a sign of instability. Sure, people may disagree with you, but there’ll be no challengers to your stance and beliefs. Staying true to your principles will also help you cultivate a strong culture built on values and meaningful purpose.
3. Lead Empathetically
A sign of a great and stable leader is their ability to appreciate and understand the value of their people – i.e. the those they lead. Once you’ve realized that your success as a leader is directly linked to your team’s well-being you’ll enter the realm of being an empathetic and compassionate leader. Sure there are some who argue that professional and personal ties should have boundaries, however, to build trust you’ll need to win the hearts of your team by showing them you care. Empathy in your leadership will provide you stability through the trust you build and the stronger bonds you develop with your team.
Stability in the top management is a positive attribute for any company that’s aspiring to be successful. A stable leader at any and every level is the perfect catalyst for a calm, inspired and capable workforce. Every workforce needs role models and influencers – why shouldn’t that be you, a stable leader!
Like what you read? Subscribe to the Keijzer Community and get updates to your inbox. You’ll also get a free download which will help you take your leadership teams through a growth model which will help them mature on a personal and professional level.