There is a nine-letter word starting with “i” that is critical to successful leadership. It’s especially important during times of change and ambiguity. Here’s your first hint: if you are an i________ leader, your people will feel valued and respected.
A few more hints… I________ leaders exhibit several key behaviors:
- Self-awareness: They engage in self-reflection to understand their assumptions and how these may impact their interactions with others. They actively seek feedback from others and are committed to personal growth and the improvement of their leadership practices.
- Empathy and Compassion: I________ leaders practice empathy by striving to understand and demonstrating value for the feelings and experiences of others. They show compassion and consider how various decisions may impact different individuals, which fosters trust and facilitates open communication.
- Active Listening: Active listening encourages team members to share their ideas and feedback, knowing they will be heard and considered. This doesn’t always mean that everyone’s idea is implemented, and it doesn’t mean that leaders don’t sometimes need to make quick decisions with no or limited input. What it means is that the leader encourages open dialogue and listens not just for the words, but for meaning.
- Open-Mindedness: I________ leaders are open to different viewpoints. They recognize that innovation and creativity often arise from a variety of ideas and experiences. As such, these leaders create a culture where questioning the status quo and offering alternative solutions is welcomed. They don’t shy away from or shut down healthy debate.
By embodying these behaviors, leaders can create a work environment that not only values each team member but also drives engagement, innovation, and performance. Organizations led by these types of leaders are better equipped to attract top talent, retain employees, and respond to the needs of their entire customer base.
The word may feel controversial for some, but the concept and behaviors seem undeniably sensible.