Successful leaders: some of their (or your?) behaviors

Success can seem like a great mystery – some people are meant for this while others are not. Is this right?

No, that’s probably not the case. Although luck and genetics may play a role, there are certain learning behaviors that make success more likely. This means that not only one can focus on these key behaviors that we already have and develop them, but also if one doesn’t have some of these habits it’s possible to learn them increasing the chances of success. How about that?

Knowing which these behaviors are is important to companies and institutions since they can (and probably will) prioritize their investments in the development of their leadership mainly on those specific practices.

Here are some of the behaviors of successful leaders:

1. They solve problems efficiently – the process that precedes the decision making is the solutionof problems, when the information is collected, analyzed and considered. For that, they identify the problem and spend some time to fully understand it, analyzing it, recognizing decision criteria, evaluating the options, selecting the optimal one and coming up with a plan. Then, they carry out such plan and constantly monitor its progress, adjusting the actions accordingly.

Problem solving is a key contribution that good leaders are capable of.

2. They operate with strong results orientation – leadership is not just about developing a vision, communicating it, and setting goals. More importantly, it is also to follow up on the action itself in order to achieve results. Successful leaders work on important issues first, sticking to a plan of action or point of view until the desired goal has been reached or it is no longer reasonably attainable. They recognize opportunities, act on them, and look for ways to quickly overcome barriers. They persevere in the face of adversity or opposition, translating ideas into actions.

Leaders with strong results orientation tend to emphasize the importance of efficiency and productivity.

3. They look for different perspectives – this is anevident trait in leaders, who are able to monitor the trends that affect their companies, perceive changes in the environment, and encourage employees to contribute with their ideas. In addition to knowing how to prioritize, they are able to accurately differentiate issues and give due weight to people’s concerns. Perspective is the way different individuals see the world. They come from their personal point of view and are shaped by their lives, experiences, values, current state of mind, assumptions they bring into a situation, and a whole lot of other things. Different perspectives are crucial in an organization aiming to excel.

Leaders who seek other perspectives usually base their decisions on sound analysis and avoid prejudices.

4. They support others – by showing empathy and sincere interest in others, leaders build trust, inspire, and help them overcome challenges by taking actions, such as intervening and mediating in teamwork activities in order to promote more organizational effectiveness. In fact, they will expect and encourage teamwork, committing to and helping grow the commitment of others, focusing on relationships and being available to help. In addition, these leaders will seek to prevent employee energy from dissipating in internal conflicts.

5. They keep learning – no matter how much you think you know, someone out there always knows something you don’t — and successful people like it that way. Successful leaders and those who are serious about achieving success enjoy the constant pursuit of knowledge. They never settle with the knowledge they already have. Some people say that once one is no longer sitting on the school benches of learning institutions, it can feel like a challenge to keep the brain engaged and expanding — but that’s no excuse to just sit around and do nothing. Learn from others, learn from elders, learn from your ‘enemies’, go somewhere completely out of your comfort zone, get up-to-date with your industry and get informed on new ones. Remember: it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts, as John Wooden once said.

6. They surround themselves with smart and accomplished people– successful leaders will build teams and will network with people with that in mind. Do the same yourself. If you want to be wealthy, hang out with wealthy people. If you want to be funny, hang out with funny people. By spending your time with these people, that will gradually shape your behaviors and your mindset. If there’s something you want to achieve or someone you want to become, you should find complementary qualities in friends, coworkers and family. Successful people build a comfortable network of positive, intelligent and accomplished individuals. Such a network not only eases them into success-building thought patterns and behaviors, but also offers them a place to brainstorm and receive support.

7. They never give up– Successful leaders know that the most impressive successes are those that are hardest to reach. They can view each stumble and fall as only a temporary setback. Failures are opportunities to learn and start again, not throw their hands up and walk away. In fact, many successful people are opportunists who appreciate failures. For them, failures mean their efforts are legitimate and dynamic. We can have the same attitude.

Try to use the same approach and to adopt these behaviors as you become a better and more successful leader. Take your personal growth as a work in progress, making consistent improvements over time. Sooner than later you will look back and be amazed at how much you have accomplished.

This article is for general, indicative purpose only and should not be considered investment advice. Florida Connexion is not liable for any financial loss, damage, expense or costs arising from your investment decisions based on this article.

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