Great Leadership Matters in Any Business

No one factor makes a company admirable. But if you were forced to pick the one that makes the most difference, you'd pick leadership. Not any leadership--but one that matters

If you are an entrepreneur starting a new venture, if you are an investor looking to invest in a new startup, if you are a boss managing a company, if you are a CEO leading a business, everything you do matters.

Great leaders share a combination of traits and behaviors. The good news for the rest of us is that they're things we can emulate and practice every day:

Lead With Vision. When you have an incredible vision and you are able to convey it to others, your leadership will matter because it comes from the strength of purpose.

Lead With Communication. When you remember that communication is a two-way street and you express your vision and ideas to others and take time to listen to their concerns and ideas, your leadership matters because it is fueled by true communication.

Lead With Value. When you work from the perspective of bringing value to your colleagues, customers, and clients, your leadership matters because it reflects that you care.

Lead With Recognition. When you appreciate and recognize those who work for you and recognize their hard work, your leadership matters because you treat people the way you know they should be treated.

Lead With Connecting. When you surround yourself with good people and invest time in building genuine relationships, your leadership matters because it extends beyond your personal strengths.

Lead With Character. When your leadership is rooted in character, your leadership matters because it reflects your integrity.

Lead With Empowerment. When you instill confidence in others, your leadership matters because you empower them to take ownership of their work.

Lead With Questions. When you lead with questions, your leadership matters because you're willing to admit you don't have all the answers.

Lead With Efficiency: When every goal is actionable and important and the reason for every decision is understood, your leadership will matter because it is based in your belief in creating a future.

Your leadership does not matter until it is built on the things that matter. Great leadership is synonymous with high-performing companies, teams, and businesses.

The more you invest in leadership, the better decisions you will make, the more you will get done in less time and with less cost, and the more you will achieve with better results.

When you can make what you do matter, you are being the kind of leader that matters.

Read more: http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/great-leadership-matters-in-any-business.html#ixzz38qGKf3KT