Being a leader requires hard work; after all, leadership is an action, not a title. It involves taking risks and managing people to steer the organization in the right direction. Nevertheless, as a professional, have you ever asked yourself what characteristics do you seek when considering to hire or promote someone to a management position?
Making a wise decision is imperative; you certainly don’t want to promote or hire the wrong person, which could lead to a host of other issues, such as a toxic work environment, lost productivity, and low morale.
Have you ever wondered what the three most important characteristics in leadership are? Also known as the three C’s of leadership, character, competence, and communication are the three most essential traits you should look for in a leader. In this blog, we will examine each of them so that you can pinpoint the right characteristics when recruiting or promoting people.
Character
A good leader commands respect; after all, respect is earned, not demanded. When the rest of the team respects the one taking the lead, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Team members typically keep a watchful eye on their leader’s actions and words, following their leader’s example. That’s why, when looking for a leader, you should ask yourself important questions about a person’s character, such as: Is the potential leader trustworthy? Do they keep their word? Are they honest? Do they practice what they preach? The questions are integral in assessing a person’s character; you can also glean valuable insights from their references and resume.
Competence
Competence is a vital quality of effective leadership. If you hire an incompetent leader, you risk damaging your company’s reputation and losing clients. In many instances, companies promote people to leadership positions internally because such candidates have already proven their competence and will command respect in their new role. In many cases, team members are more likely to show respect and appreciation for someone who understands the nuances of the job. That’s why it is imperative for you as a professional to hire someone who knows what he is doing.
Communication
Communication is a two-way street; it requires talking and listening. A good leader doesn’t always do all the talking; he also listens patiently to his team. In doing so, he establishes trust and fosters collaboration, both of which are integral to an organization’s success. Disengagement is a side effect of a lack of communication. If a team member performs a task without understanding its impact on the overall work, it can lead to disengagement. That’s why it is critical for a leader to explain things clearly and succinctly before assigning a task. Don’t fall prey to the “I said so” mindset; this leads to chaos at work. Instead, articulate your “whys” carefully when assigning a task, which will make your team productive and successful.
When considering promoting someone to a leadership position, ask yourself: Does the candidate unnecessarily keep work-related information private from the rest of the team? Information generosity, when used tactfully, is integral to those you are seeking to promote. In many cases, a company can’t afford to promote someone who is an information hoarder or hides helpful information from the rest of the team; this leaves other teammates in the dark and impacts productivity.
How to Develop The Three C’s in Yourself
Throughout this blog, we have examined ways to look for the 3 C’s in potential candidates you are seeking to promote. Nevertheless, have you ever asked yourself how you can develop these qualities too? As a start, strive to improve your leadership qualities. A good way to do that is to reflect on your experience and skill development.
Ask yourself important questions, such as: Am I leading by example? Do others see me as a role model? How can I learn from past mistakes? Such self-reflection is integral to your success as a leader. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes; after all, mistakes are bound to happen; the key is to learn from them.
The key to cultivating the three C’s of leadership requires aligning one’s thinking, values, and actions. When these three are aligned, you are bound to create an atmosphere of trust where your leadership inspires others to be their best!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
