Do you believe that great leaders are born with certain innate qualities or do they learn them over time? The answer is both. In fact, most leaders probably have some innate characteristics, but they also develop others as they gain experience in their field and work on perfecting their leadership skills. An ubiquitous leader combines the best of both worlds to become a strong and influential leader, regardless of the situation. An ubiquitous leader has the ability to enter different situations, lead people through challenges, and produce meaningful results. This type of leader continues to grow personally and professionally so that he or she can meet new challenges willingly, effectively, and optimistically at any time. A ubiquitous leader knows when to step in as a coach and when to sit back as an advisor. He or she helps team members see their potential while still challenging them to achieve more than they thought possible. A ubiquitous leader understands what everyone on the team needs from him or her in order to succeed. Read on to discover the qualities of an ubiquitous leader:
Have a strong sense of self-awareness
A good leader starts by understanding his or her personal strengths and areas for improvement. This self-awareness enables a leader to adapt his or her approach to specific situations and people. For example, if you have a meeting with a prospective client and realize that you might have difficulty establishing a connection with him or her, you can adjust how you approach the meeting to make a better impression. Self-awareness also includes knowing your limits and when to ask for help. Even the best leaders have weaknesses and hurdles they need to overcome. A truly ubiquitous leader is also self-aware of his or her own emotions. Many leaders make decisions based on their emotions, which can lead them to react quickly but inappropriately. A self-aware leader can catch his or her emotions and use them to inform decisions but not make them.
Be an effective communicator
All leaders need to be effective communicators, but this quality is especially important for a leader who seeks to be ubiquitous. A leader who is frequently in meetings, on the phone, and in front of large groups must be able to convey information clearly, concisely, and with confidence. Great leaders not only have excellent communication skills but also know when to use different methods to communicate, such as face-to-face communication, written communication, or visual or auditory aids. A ubiquitous leader also knows how to receive feedback and effectively manage conflict. Receiving feedback effectively and respectfully is important, whether the feedback is positive or negative. A leader who knows how to receive feedback and apply it wisely shows team members that he or she values their input.
Be a strong team builder
A ubiquitous leader builds a culture that attracts and retains top talent. He or she knows what type of environment is needed, who should be involved in making decisions, and how to get the most out of each team member. A leader who seeks to build a strong and effective team also knows how to get out of the way and let others share their gifts and contribute to the organization. A leader who recognizes the strengths of his or her team members also knows when to correct team members who are going in the wrong direction. A true leader is firm but also fair when setting expectations.
Know when to step in and when to step back
A ubiquitous leader knows that at times he or she must step in and take control, while at other times he or she must step back and encourage others to take the lead. Making this decision is not always clear-cut. A leader might think about the situation and the people involved to determine the best course of action. A good leader knows when to step in and when to step back based on the people involved, the situation, and his or her own strengths and weaknesses. For example, a leader who is excellent at solving problems by gathering information might prefer to step back while a leader who is more comfortable making decisions might step in. A strong leader rarely needs to be in control of everything. One of the most important traits of a ubiquitous leader is knowing when to let others take control so that everyone on the team has the opportunity to make an impact.
Conclusion
In order to succeed as a leader, it’s important to understand that you don’t need to have all of these qualities at once. In fact, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to achieve this. Instead, what you need to do is work towards improving yourself as a leader and becoming a better version of yourself. With time, you will be able to improve your leadership skills and become a great leader. All you need to do is keep working on yourself, develop your skills, and never give up.