What Does True Leadership Look Like?

Throughout my 25 years in banking, I have heard repeatedly that anyone can be a manager, but not everyone can be a leader. I believe anyone with the desire to become a leader, however, can achieve it. A manager is a person who performs functions or tasks that are essential for running an organization. A leader never leaves people behind and inspires others to move forward. As defined by the International Institute of Directors & Managers, “True leaders act with integrity and in doing so establish trust. True leaders genuinely value their people and in doing so create loyalty. True leaders are in the business of assisting people realize their full potential and in doing so they inspire excellence.”

If you search for key leadership traits, you will be presented with hundreds of articles and opinions. Forbes published an article on August 28, 2018, titled The 4 Key Elements of Great Leadership,* and in my opinion identified the most important traits of a true leader. Most if not all of these traits have been exhibited by true leaders I have worked with and have the utmost respect for:

1. Coaching, not directing: True leaders are teachers, not dictators. They help their teams develop and provide them with the support needed to be successful. They understand when they need to push their teams or provide extra support. They understand how their team members work best and coach in that style. True leaders have fun with their teams and exhibit energy, passion and a positive attitude in everything they do.
    
2. Being adept: True leaders are always prepared for change. They think and make decisions quickly and rally their teams to make things happen. True leaders are aware of what’s happening from a process standpoint, and equally from a people standpoint.
    
3. Respect: True leaders trust their teams and shows respect through this trust. True leaders allow their teams to do their jobs and not hover over them. They lead by example and are not afraid to work alongside them. True leaders don’t micromanage and accept that sometimes their teams will fail. If respected and trusted, teams are comfortable coming to a true leader with questions. True leaders build relationships with their teams.
    
4. Communication: True leaders always keeps their teams informed. They tailor their communication style based on the message to be delivered and who they are communicating with. True leaders make sure their teams understand their role and how it adds to the big picture. True leaders show their passion and dedication through communication.

Becoming a true leader is achievable for anyone. It’s just takes time, patience and practice.

* forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2018/08/28/4-key-elements-of-great-leadership/#7e58fc0eb445

This Month's Guest Writer

Melodie K. Yarnell
Jackson County Bank, Seymour
Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Management Services Officer
2020 FLD Advisory Board President