Beyond the Stereotypes: How to Become an Effective Leader

When we think of a leader, we may picture presidents of countries, well-known business people, outspoken activists, and popular kids in school. However, leadership is not a trait reserved only for those born with charismatic and self-confident personalities. When we are young, it can be difficult to relate to these types of leaders, especially introverts with limited social interaction capacity.

So what actually defines leadership, and how can we become leaders in our community, business, or field?

I've discovered that our perception of leadership is often flawed and that one does not need to possess all the typical traits of a stereotypical leader to become one. Based on my experience, the following are the true characteristics of leaders and leaders in the making:

1. Proactivity and Initiative

When starting a career, it's common to be cautious about what to do, and we might even run into the problem of not being given much work. However, leaders can take incomplete information and build upon it, adding value to the organization they are working with, even without clear instructions.

Moments of high stress at work can happen to anyone. When this situation arises, our fight-or-flight instinct kicks in. It's important to be conscious of our reactions and make sure we default to fight. While most people are analyzing what to do, leaders are usually proactive and will take the first step toward building or solving something.

2. Think and Act Like an Owner

Leaders, regardless of equity, should act as owners of the organization they work for. This mindset can be difficult to cultivate, as only entrepreneurs and business owners understand the feeling of risking and sometimes losing everything they have worked for. People who act like owners will make plans for their organization's long-term success but will also act with determination for short-term progress. This is why an acquihire can work so well in larger organizations; the entrepreneurial talent brought in can help get things done despite bureaucracy and politics that can occur in larger companies. However, this is also why many such entrepreneurs may not stay in these types of organizations for the rest of their careers.

3. Think in Systems, Not Deliverables

There is a clear difference between individuals who like to make organizations dependent on themselves and their daily activities versus those who create systems that enable processes to run without their constant involvement or consultation. These individuals focus on creating processes that involve different team members along the way, ensuring the success of their teams long after they have left the area or even the organization. Leaders who deliver systems instead of tasks understand the value of everyone's time and prioritize improving their team and individual skills rather than wasting time discussing endless tasks and deliverables in meetings.

4. Default to Yes

People who are instinctively willing to help are often good leaders. This does not mean they will spend all their time catering to everyone else's needs. Instead, they will create systems and develop a team that continuously creates value and serves stakeholders. Over time, they will learn to distinguish between genuine requests for help and situations where someone takes advantage of their generosity. In any case, those who default to Yes eventually realize that the more they help, the more they benefit in return. What sets them apart is that they do not expect anything in return for their kindness.

5. Leading by Example

To get a large group of people to act, it often helps to be the first to take action. As depicted in medieval battles, good leaders are in front of the battalion, heading straight to the enemy. The rest of the army follows, more motivated and determined to win the battle.

In my experience, being present with the team, even when your input is not required for a particular task, motivates the rest of the team and lets them know that we are all in this challenge together. In other scenarios, leaders will be the first to raise their hands in public and ask questions or lead a meeting when no one else seems to be taking that role.

6. Wearing Masks

Being a leader can require you to act unnaturally in certain circumstances. For introverts, taking on a leadership position may need them to appear confident and sound assured during moments of immense stress. Observing a confident leader during such moments can be incredibly powerful for the team, who may be afraid of losing their jobs, or in extreme cases, their lives. The leader may not be certain of the outcome, but they know that projecting confidence can increase the team's chances of success in facing that challenge. This is what "wearing masks" refers to. Although not born with many of these traits, the masks we wear can eventually blend into our personalities and become another part of ourselves.

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. While certain traits and characteristics can help someone become a successful leader, everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. We can all work towards becoming effective leaders in our own way, and that way, does not have to conform to stereotypes of what a leader should be.