In the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to witness leadership from a different angle. As a lifelong learner and as a leader myself, this was a welcomed and exciting change. Over the years, I’ve gathered a great deal about leadership by taking a back seat and watching others in action, though in this particular instance, I found myself taking more notes about what not to do.

Being a leader, supervisor, manager, coach, or any person overseeing others, comes with a great deal of responsibility. Being successful and ‘winning’ is the outcome, not the goal. As such, it’s important to never lose sight that the people you are leading are still ‘people’. The experience these individuals have under your guidance will ultimately have implications on their families and lives outside the walls of your company.

With this in mind, how can you approach each day to ensure these teammates are having a positive experience? These three traits are the cornerstones of not only leadership but in how to treat others in general.

Respect

First and foremost is to treat others with respect. Not only does respect establish trust and credibility, but it promotes a culture of dignity, empathy, and inclusivity, and ultimately leads to more effective collaboration and mutual growth.

Communication

Effective communication is essential for leaders because it fosters transparency and trust among team members. When leaders take the time to be open, honest, and transparent, they put their teams at a higher advantage for success. Communication can inspire and motivate teams, as well as increase productivity, reduce conflict, facilitate unique and innovative ideas, and ultimately ensures everyone is on the same page working toward a common goal.

Thoughtfulness

Being a thoughtful leader requires actively listening to your team members, understanding and valuing their perspectives, and considering their input when making decisions. Thoughtful leadership prioritizes empathy and recognizes that individuals have challenges and aspirations beyond the workplace.

Respect, communication, and thoughtfulness are not standalone qualities, but rather they work in tandem to create a positive ripple effect within the team.  By embodying these three traits, leaders can create a harmonious and thriving work environment that fuels success for both individuals and the organization as a whole.