Whatever your definition of leadership is, one thing is certain.  No company can grow without growing leaders. And in order to grow leaders you have to be able to first identify what characteristics would inform you that someone on the team has leadership potential.

In my twenty plus years working with thousands of leaders I have identified common themes that exceptional leaders do that differentiate them.  Here are seven things you can learn from them.

1. Exceptional leaders are better at not being stupid.  All great leaders need to be smart.  They need to understand the ins and outs of their role as it relates to the business and avoid bad business miscalculations.  Exceptional leaders have a sixth sense about how to keep their noses clean and avoid situations. Take a look at how often the news reports a leader who makes a stupid personal decision (i.e. sleeping with an employee) that blemishes their reputation and the business.  Not being stupid is under valued.

2. Exceptional leaders are exceptional delegators.  A leadership skill that is often discussed is around time management and organizational skills.  All leaders need to know how to prioritize, and exceptional leaders understand the importance and value of delegating.  They focus on developing those around them to take on responsibility and give them authority so they themselves can focus on strategic initiatives.

3. Exceptional leaders are better with communication.  Communication is an area of development for all leaders.  Learning to be an exceptional communicator is more than just listening or being transparent.  What exceptional leaders do better is: they ask more questions, understand who the audience is and speak to the audience and talk less.

4. Exceptional leaders create a friendly culture, but aren’t friends with their subordinates.  Good leaders understand the importance of creating an environment that motivates and influences others to greatness.  They recognize burn-out as a real consideration in today’s world and create a culture that encourages fun, laughter, openness.  They know about their employees and what’s going on in their lives. Exceptional leaders understand the boundary between creating this culture and being friends.

5. Exceptional leaders are exceptional problem solvers.  This doesn’t mean they rush in and solve the problem themselves.  It means they are able to delve into the problem, ask the right questions to determine the root cause and help others develop the solution, instead of them defining the solution.  Good leaders problem solve and may even attempt to get to the root of the problem. At that point however they often suggest the solution and ask others to implement. Exceptional leaders understand that to develop others they have to be able to define the solution, not simply implement someone else’s.

6. Exceptional leaders give credit and admit their mistakes.  It probably goes without saying that good leaders take responsibility for their people, and don’t point fingers at others when things go array.  Exceptional leaders though take this to the next level. They get in front of the problem or mistake and admit if they blew it. AND they publicly give credit to others and stand in the background.

7. Exceptional leaders focus don’t let their emotions get in the way.  We all have those days when everything seems to go wrong and our emotions are frayed.  Exceptional leaders don’t pretend they aren’t frustrated and put on a happy face. They do however step back and not let their emotions rule their thinking or decision making.  Intuitively they know that intense emotions can color decisions and outcomes and don’t let them interfere.

If you want to grow your business you have to grow leaders.  Before you can do that it’s critical to define what exceptional leadership looks like.  As you spend time looking at your team and organization you’ll notice those who will be great leaders, and those who can become exceptional. 

Your Next Steps:

Take the leadership quiz below if you’re curious about what your leadership style is and we will show you how to use it to your advantage to becoming an exceptional leader.