Lean Quote: 7 Leadership Behaviors of Leadership Excellence

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image."   —  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Great leaders know that development is a necessity -- not a "nice to have." They're obsessed with personal growth and relentlessly focused on growing their leadership abilities.

But too often, leaders struggle to build leadership strength because they use development "solutions" that are based on a faulty premise: that becoming a better leader begins with correcting weaknesses. Other leadership development offerings teach skills that aren't actually connected to outcomes.

Whether you're a CEO, team leader or entrepreneur, Gallup's science uncovered seven universal behaviors that directly affect performance and big-picture outcomes. In fact, these seven behaviors apply to many roles -- they are crucial behaviors that define a high-performance workplace.

Here are the 7 Leadership Behaviors that Gallup has identified as essential competencies required for universal leadership excellence:

1. Build relationships – We’ve spoken extensively about this. "Great leaders build genuine connections and trusting relationships with their peers, followers and networks."

2. Develop people – Again, this is not a new thought. "Leaders must prioritize ongoing development for every individual in their organization".

3. Lead change – Understanding and leading through change is a given. "Leaders should model desired behaviors and challenge people to take responsibility for change".

4. Inspire others - Leadership matters! "People thrive in a positive and encouraging environment that conveys purpose, celebrates accomplishments and recognizes each person's unique importance".

5. Think critically - This requires awareness and constant learning. "Great leaders are in a never-ending pursuit of information . . . establishing the goal, understanding risks . . . and devising a comprehensive, multifaceted plan for execution".

6. Communicate clearly – It’s not just about speaking and listening, it’s also about connections. "Leaders should . . . fuel a culture with streamlined information sharing and informed decision-making. People need to be listened to and listen themselves -- and communication enables meaningful connections".

7. Create accountability - Leaders hold themselves and others accountable. "Leaders should define what employees are accountable for, set and cascade goals, and infuse accountability in employee development".

These seven behaviors are a guiding light for ongoing leadership development. You will find that you easily excel in some areas, while others might not come as naturally. Whether you're a team leader or an executive, your time is best spent developing what you're good at, not worrying about what you're bad at. Understanding your strengths is the most effective way to grow in the seven behaviors -- and it's a proven way to become a better leader.