Leadership is guiding, inspiring, and influencing others toward a common goal. It’s not just about holding a position of authority but about taking initiative, making decisions, and setting an example for others. We believe it is a mindset and attitude!
Leadership is an attitude because it reflects a mindset of responsibility, service, and commitment. It’s about consistently acting in ways that uplift and empower others, regardless of your official role. This attitude shapes how you interact with people, face challenges, and pursue goals, making leadership a way of being rather than just a title.
The team at LeadershipHQ have created a list of 100 leadership acts that involve identifying behaviors, decisions, and attitudes that embody effective leadership.
What is your favorite act of leadership?
Here’s a diverse list that captures the essence of leadership in various contexts:
Vision and Direction
- Articulating a clear vision for your team or organisation.
- Setting SMART goals that align with the vision.
- Communicating expectations clearly to team members.
- Inspiring others to believe in a shared goal.
- Strategic planning for future growth and challenges.
- Adapting the vision based on new information or changing circumstances.
- Leading by example in adhering to core values.
- Creating a roadmap for achieving long-term objectives.
- Encouraging innovation and creative thinking.
- Setting the tone for the organisational culture.
Decision Making
- Making difficult decisions confidently and decisively.
- Involving the team in decision-making processes.
- Weighing pros and cons before making significant decisions.
- Taking responsibility for the outcomes of decisions.
- Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
- Delegating tasks effectively.
- Considering ethical implications in all decisions.
- Seeking diverse perspectives before making a decision.
- Prioritising decisions based on impact and urgency.
- Learning from mistakes and adjusting accordingly.
Empowering Others
- Encouraging professional development and continuous learning.
- Providing constructive feedback to help others grow.
- Mentoring and coaching team members.
- Recognising and celebrating the successes of the team.
- Delegating authority to empower others.
- Building confidence in team members.
- Creating opportunities for others to lead.
- Trusting your team to execute tasks independently.
- Supporting work-life balance for team members.
- Promoting collaboration and teamwork.
Emotional Intelligence
- Listening actively to others’ concerns and ideas.
- Practicing empathy in understanding others’ perspectives.
- Managing your emotions in challenging situations.
- Building solid relationships with team members.
- Being approachable and open to communication.
- Resolving conflicts with fairness and tact.
- Recognizing and managing stress within the team.
- Fostering a positive environment where people feel valued.
- Being patient with others’ development and growth.
- Encouraging open dialogue about challenges and concerns.
Integrity and Character
- Demonstrating honesty in all interactions.
- Upholding ethical standards in all decisions.
- Taking accountability for your actions.
- Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
- Being consistent in words and actions.
- Admitting mistakes and learning from them.
- Protecting the integrity of the organisation.
- Leading with humility and recognizing your limits.
- Supporting transparency within the team or organisation.
- Encouraging ethical behaviour in others.
Courage and Resilience
- Taking risks when necessary for growth.
- Standing firm in the face of adversity.
- Advocating for change when it’s needed.
- Persevering through challenges and setbacks.
- Encouraging others to be courageous.
- Facing uncomfortable truths and addressing them.
- Staying committed to goals despite obstacles.
- Learning from failures and bouncing back stronger.
- Making unpopular decisions when they are in the best interest of the team or organisation.
- Leading with optimism in tough times.
Inclusivity and Diversity
- Promoting diversity within the team or organisation.
- Ensuring everyone’s voice is heard in discussions.
- Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
- Championing equity in opportunities and resources.
- Respecting and valuing different perspectives.
- Addressing biases within the team or organisation.
- Encouraging diverse ideas and approaches.
- Supporting minority voices and advocating for underrepresented groups.
- Leading initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
- Challenging stereotypes and encouraging open-mindedness.
Growth and Development
- Encouraging a growth mindset within the team.
- Providing learning opportunities for team members.
- Supporting career development plans for individuals.
- Promoting continuous improvement in processes and skills.
- Encouraging experimentation and learning from the results.
- Fostering a culture of feedback and learning.
- Supporting innovation and creative problem-solving.
- Encouraging lifelong learning and curiosity.
- Providing resources for skill development.
- Recognizing and nurturing potential in others.
Compassion and Care
- Showing genuine concern for others’ well-being.
- Practicing kindness in all interactions.
- Offering support during personal or professional challenges.
- Building a sense of community within the team.
- Providing a safe space for sharing concerns.
- Being flexible and understanding in difficult situations.
- Acknowledging and addressing team members’ stress.
- Promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace.
- Listening with empathy and understanding.
- Celebrating personal milestones and achievements.
Accountability and Results
- Setting clear expectations for performance.
- Holding yourself and others accountable for results.
- Tracking progress toward goals.
- Providing regular feedback on performance.
- Addressing underperformance with support and guidance.
- Rewarding achievements and successes.
- Ensuring transparency in reporting results.
- Encouraging ownership of tasks and outcomes.
- Fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility.
- Striving for continuous improvement in all areas.
These acts of leadership can help guide personal development and positively impact any environment.