What makes a great leader? This can be a tough question to answer. However, when people talk about characteristics that define a great leader, a few key traits may be mentioned repeatedly. It may be helpful to focus on some things a great leader should do.

Be Consistent

What if an employee showed up on time, worked hard and stayed late to finish work? What if that employee alternated days like that with days of tardiness, loafing and laziness? The employee’s value would drop significantly. Just as leaders want their employees to be consistent, employees want consistency from their leaders. As one leader noted, “I ask my employees to be accountable for their deliverables and goals. They should expect the same in return from my leadership.”

Consistency produces stability and that in turn makes you a reliable person. When a leader is reliable, employees may feel much more comfortable placing their trust in that leader. Consistency can lead to another positive result – respect. In other words, maintain a good track record and you will show others that they have a good reason to respect you.

Support Employees

Some people try to lead by fear or intimidation; however, great leaders know that providing their employees with support will work better. How effective can employees be when they’re too afraid to do their work? All employees, even high-potential employees, need unwavering support from their leaders to reach their ultimate career goals and potential.

When people attempt to lead by fear or intimidation, they may feel threatened by their employees’ successes. A true leader knows better. Give your employees reasons and opportunity to stretch out on their own and even lead others. They may stumble, but they’ll learn a lot and build the respect of their colleagues while preparing to be great empowering leaders themselves someday.

Capitalize on Strengths

When an employee is good at something, it makes sense to make the best use of that skill. A skilled leader recognizes the importance of capitalizing on strengths. This is true when it comes to making promotions, as well. Consider the case of one hospital when it came time to appoint managers: Because manager selection is the most important decision executives make, the hospital CEO uses a research-based process to select managers based on talent, demanding that all teams have great leaders.

It’s possible to take this a step further. Each employee has strengths and talents that often go unrecognized – and untapped – in the workplace. Helping them to identify these and use them at work contributes to their feeling that their work has purpose and results in more engaged, productive employees.

A Better Leader

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We know that great leaders can make a tremendous difference in the workplace, as well as in the lives of employees and patients. We’d love to work with you to find a placement with a great leader. Maybe it’s a step on your journey to becoming a great leader. Either way, give us a call at 310.436.3650 today!