3 Powerful Leadership Traits That Will Change Your Life

You are a leader whether you realize it or not.

Maybe you don’t have the title of “leader” at work. Maybe you don’t feel like a leader in your personal life. And yet, there is definitely someone in your life who looks up to you — who follows your lead — who sees leadership traits in you that you may not see in yourself.

This person could be your child, your spouse, a co-worker, a family member, or friend. Whoever it is, they are watching you and following your lead. They are trying to emulate your leadership traits, even if they don’t realize it themselves.

Okay? But why would developing leadership traits change your life? Because you’ll be building better relationships, which will have a meaningful impact on every area of your life. And maybe, just maybe, the relationship that will be strengthened the most will be the one you have with yourself because you’ll feel proud of how you show up for life. Every. Single. Day!

So, with this in mind, let’s be intentional about the leadership traits we choose to embody. And, let’s focus in on these 3 powerful leadership traits that will empower you to build stronger relationships:

1. Lead by example – This one seems pretty obvious, but how often do you fail to exhibit this trait? How often do you expect others to live up to a different standard than you are willing to hold yourself to? And preach to others without hearing the words yourself? Don’t beat yourself up. We all do it! But, becoming aware of this tendency in yourself, and focusing instead on leading by example, will help you build the trust that leads to productive relationships.
2. Make others feel heard – In other words, listen! Really listen! When someone is sharing their feelings or a story about their day, stop what you are doing, look them in the eye, and focus on two things. Obviously, you want to focus on what they’re saying, but, more importantly, focus on why they’re saying it. Why is their “share” so significant to them that they felt the need to put it into words? And why are they sharing it with you? If you can figure that out, you will create a sense of belonging and validation for that person that will ripple out into positive change in their life and in yours.

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