Unpacking the Top Leadership Qualities According to the Harvard Business Review
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an exceptional leader? According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), the following are the top leadership qualities that can help you succeed in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving corporate world.
Visionary Thinking
A true leader is always thinking ahead and setting big, audacious goals for their team. They are not afraid to take risks to achieve greatness and inspire others to join them in the journey. Great leaders are known to have a clear vision of where they want their team to go and are always looking for ways to innovate and improve their processes to get there faster.
An excellent example of visionary thinking is Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. He has set his sights on a mission to make life multi-planetary, and his companies are on the forefront of innovation in their respective industries.
Integrity and Accountability
Leadership is not just about achieving success but also about doing the right thing, even when it’s not the most popular option. Leaders who have strong integrity and are accountable for their actions inspire trust and loyalty in the people around them. They embrace honesty and transparency, and they admit to their mistakes and take action to fix them.
One of the most notable examples of integrity and accountability in the corporate world is Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. He took responsibility for a company-wide racial bias incident and took immediate steps to address it, earning respect from both customers and employees.
Effective Communication
Leadership is all about communication. Leaders who can articulate their vision and inspire others to join them in pursuit of it are the most successful. They have excellent listening skills and can adapt their communication style to fit the needs of their audience. A good leader fosters open and constructive dialogue, which leads to increased productivity and better decision-making.
One of the most effective communicators in the world is Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon. His annual letters to shareholders are a masterclass in leadership and communication, outlining strategic priorities and illustrating his vision for the company’s future.
Decisiveness
Leaders are often faced with difficult decisions that can make or break their organization’s success. Effective leaders gather all the necessary information, consult with their team, and make decisions based on sound judgment. They are not afraid to make tough calls, even under pressure, and they stand by their decisions.
An excellent example of decisiveness in action is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. She made the bold decision to change the company’s product portfolio, shifting away from sugary drinks toward healthier options, which is now paying dividends in terms of growth and customer loyalty.
Resilience
Leadership is about bouncing back from setbacks and learning from past failures. Great leaders are resilient, and they see failures as opportunities for growth and innovation. They have a growth mindset and are always looking for ways to improve themselves and their team.
One of the most remarkable examples of resilience is Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors. She took over the company during a turbulent time and faced numerous challenges, including a widespread ignition switch crisis. Still, she stayed committed to her vision and led the company back to profitability, earning her a spot on the Forbes Most Powerful Women list.
Conclusion
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but by cultivating some of these characteristics, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to think big, embrace honesty and transparency, communicate effectively, make tough calls, and bounce back from setbacks. Leaders who embody these qualities will inspire loyalty, trust, and respect and will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s business world.
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