Signs you’re among the top work leaders

By Rebecca Davis

Leaders don’t force their demands on others, barking out orders. They motivate and inspire. If someone needs to be encouraged to give more than “just enough to keep from getting fired”, strong leaders pull those people to the side and talk with them. They may ask the person questions to find out what’s troubling him. Or they might share personal experiences they had with an unwillingness to give their best, then go on to share what they did to free themselves of that mindset.

Traits of an effective work leader

A sign that a person is an effective leader generally occurs during a crisis. While everyone else stands by and waits to receive a directive on what to do following a natural or human caused emergency, effective leaders come up with solutions. “True leaders understand the value of action, of course, but it isn’t their only tool. In fact, it isn’t even their primary tool. Great leaders see more than everyone else: answers, solutions, patterns, problems, opportunities, threats. They know it’s vitally important to do, but they also know that thinking, understanding, contemplation and interpretation are equally important,” as shared by Time.


Effective leaders, the kind most companies can use more of, communicate their action steps to necessary parties without making anyone feel as if they have all the answers. They also avoid taking charge of situations that obviously don’t call for their input. In other words, effective leaders are comfortable allowing others to lead.

Photo by US Embassy

But, most of all, leaders get those they work with to see their vision without handing out warnings, insults, cruel jokes or threats. People who can’t get others to see and live out their vision without threatening to fire them aren’t effective leaders.

Understanding the skills and habits effective leaders possess makes it clear that a senior title isn’t required to be a good leader. In fact, having a senior title can fool people into believing they are leading when they are eroding workers’ confidence and setting people on the path to a derailed career.

One of the best ways to develop leadership skills is to volunteer to lead projects, including volunteer projects at work. And even after employees start developing and honing their leadership skills, it’s important that they continue to look for opportunities to connect with others, encourage, inspire, teach and guide.