Traits of leadership

Even though Tech Leads and Managers from each level in our model have specific leadership traits that are expected according to their core duties, there are some qualities you should look for in each one the best leaders leaders:

• Ensure adaptiveness: Leaders should easily navigate between adaptive and technical challenges. They have to excel at guiding their teams when dealing with consequential changes in uncertain times when no clear answers are forthcoming.

• Cultivate a culture of trust: People are comfortable to go about their activities in an environment of mutual trust and support. There is no back-stabbing and sharing is encouraged.

• Develop other leaders: Leaders need to provide opportunities for learning and growth, demonstrating by example and teaching others to lead. They give up power and have deputies lead, replicating this mindset through the organization.

• Value diverse opinions: Leaders have to value everyone’s contributions and regularly seeks out opinions.

• Encourage: The hallmark of great leaders is encouragement. The true leader says, “Let’s go do it,” not, “You go do it.”.

• Sell instead of tell: Effective leaders are the opposite of a dictator. The aim is to persuade rather than command.

• Thinks you, not me: There’s a selfless quality about what to expect from great leaders. Those who only think, “How does this benefit me?” should be disqualified.

• Think long-term: Great leaders are constantly thinking about the next generation, the next leader, the next opportunity. They make continual tradeoffs between what’s important for today versus what needs to be done for the future.

• Act with humility: The best leaders are not concerned with job titles. A title is not a way to show he/she is in charge or “better than everyone else”. Instead, they act in a caring way towards others. Nothing is beneath them and they may be seen picking up trash or cleaning a table. They set an example of service. For us, it is not about the leader, it is about others.

In conclusion, true leadership is not about seeking personal gain or control, but rather about supporting and serving the needs of the organization and its members. It is a selfless pursuit that goes beyond prestige and status. Leaders who embody this ideal understand that their role is to empower and uplift others, offering coaching and providing opportunities for growth. By leading by example and exhibiting the expected behaviors, they inspire those around them to strive for excellence. In this way, authentic leadership creates a positive ripple effect, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and collective achievement. As we embrace the essence of true leadership, we unlock the potential within ourselves and those we lead, creating a brighter future for all.