Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat, sponsored by MOO, discussed how professionals can shape themselves into effective leaders.
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Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of topics ranging from the defining traits that make an exceptional leader to emotional intelligence and how it plays an imperative part in leadership.
Several leadership experts joined us including: Annette Franz, CX expert & mentor; Dan Rockwell, AMA's top 30 leader & INC's top 50 leadership expert; Gordon Tredgold, vistage speaker at Vistage Worldwide, Inc; Ilesha Graham, campus college chair at the University of Pheonix, dynamic speaker, and leadership trainer; Lynn Wicker, independent certified coach, teacher and speaker; and Narges Nirumvala, founder and CEO of ExecutiveSpeak Coaching International.
Check out highlights from our chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story "#BizChats: How to become a strong leader " on Storify]#BizChats: How to become a strong leader Mashable hosted a Twitter chat, to discuss how professionals can ignite their inner leader from within.Storified by Mashable· Wed, Dec 02 2015 20:30:24
When you read the word "leader," what words instantly come to mind? Strong-willed? Helpful? Selfless?
At some point in your career, there will come a point where it'll be your turn to fill in the shoes of a leadership position. You may have accumulated bite-sized throughout your professional journey of what a leadership role entitles, but rather than wait around and assume you'll just wing it once the time comes, why not be proactive and take the steps needed now that will help mold yourself into the leader you've always aspired to be.
@mashbusiness and several leadership experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat, sponsored by MOO, to discuss how to become an impactful leader. Welcome to #BizChats, sponsored by @MOO! Today we're discussing how to become a strong leader in the workplace. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable BusinessWelcome to our leadership experts: @annettefranz, @cocospeaks, @GordonTredgold, @Leadershipfreak, @lynn_wicker, @NargesNirumvala! #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're
answering. (ie., Q1.-->A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. What are some defining traits of a leader? #BizChatsMashable Business@mashbusiness A1. Defining traits of a great leader to me: Vision, Integrity, Purpose, Determination and Courage #BizChats #leadershipNarges NirumvalaA1 - Top Leadership Qualities - Integrity, Respect, Clarity, Fairness, Compassion, Energy and DriveGordon TredgoldA1 @mashbusiness #BizChats great leaders put people as a higher priority than tasksLynn WickerA1. Honest, transparent, serves with integrity, communicates clearly #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA1 Authenticity, visionary, strong communicator, willing to serve, build bridges, values driven #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA1 Committed, focused, able to delegate, sees potential in others, creative, accountable #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA1 Beyond integrity, energy, & vision, CURIOSITY IS A DEFINING TRAIT OF REMARKABLE LEADERS. #bizchatsDan Rockwell@mashbusiness A1 Ambition, motivation, drive, failure, quick, sly, and never the smartest one in the room. #BizChatsJake Counselbaum@mashbusiness A1: Inspiring, Motivating, & Encouraging #BizChatsKristen Corley@mashbusiness O1: They know how to inspire people without talking down to them. They show by doing. #bizchatsMichael MillerA1. Great attitude, inspires followers, does the right thing, empower others, always learning #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXP@mashbusiness A1. Bold, daring, strong-willed, selfless, relatable, kind, compassionate! #BizChatsTracey Edouard @mashbusiness A1. By showing accountability as well as helping others become better. #BizChatsKalind PatelA1. @mashbusiness A true leader needs to be compassionate and strong, yet understanding and willing to dig deep and get dirty.ThinkTPG@mashbusiness A1: Assertive, humble, team player, optimistic, can do attitude, consensus builder. #BizChatsJackie FozA1 Traits of a good leader = Charisma every time. #bizchatsAmanda Webb#BizChats A1 - i think great leaders know whats important, and that can change from time to time, sometime its the people others he missionGordon TredgoldA1c Courage. Authenticity. Vision. Integrity. Thoughtfulness and Accountability are all character traits found in leaders. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyQuestion 2:Q2. What are some common mistakes that new leaders make? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA2 makes 2 many changes 2 fast, neglects the importance of relationships, relies 2 heavily on positional power #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA2. @mashbusiness #BizChats common mistakes are makes decisions in isolation; too positional; fails to build a teamLynn WickerA2 One of the biggest mistakes new leaders can make is trying to please everyone or be "liked" and taking criticism personally. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA2: Many new leaders think their way is the only way and do not support the team. Thoughtful communication is key #BizChatsWashingtonian CM#BizChats A2 - new leaders often assume that position is enough and they forget their job is to inspire, to convince, to leadGordon TredgoldA2. Common #leadership mistakes: Believe they have to have all the answers; believe they have the answer. #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXP@mashbusiness A2 leadership has to be earned. Laying down the law straight away can be a mistake. #BizChatsAmanda WebbA2. Not embracing diversity! It's what makes us different that gives the team its power, not a bunch of 'yes men / women'. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA2. Common #leadership mistakes: Make friends with the team/followers - it's not about being friends. #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXP@mashbusiness A2 It's far too easy to take control of a situation & too often leaders confuse control w/ power. #BizChatsJake CounselbaumA2 makes 2 many changes 2 fast, neglects the importance of relationships, relies 2 heavily on positional power #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAM#BizChats @mashbusiness A2. Everyone makes mistakes. New leaders become blind to failures when expectations are so high.ThinkTPG@mashbusiness A2. One of the common mistakes that leaders can make is not addressing an issue before it gets out of hand. #BizChatsKalind Patel@mashbusiness A2. Assuming that they're better than the weakest member of their team. #BizChatsTracey Edouard A2. Common #leadership mistakes: Think you have to do everything; it's ok to delegate. #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA2 @mashbusiness #BizChats common mistake is expecting to be served rather than serve others with their leadershipLynn Wicker.@mashbusiness A2. Another common mistake - feeling intimidated by differing opinions + therefore shut others down #BizChatsILESHA GRAHAMA2b New leaders must accept that often our roll is to be the "bad guy" while altering the culture of a business. It takes time. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley@mashbusiness Taking something for granted. Think you know everything. You need to keep a student mentality all the time. #BizChatsOphelie Echelard#BizChats a2 - Micromanagement is a big issue, you have to let go and let your teams do their workGordon TredgoldA2. Common #leadership mistakes: Don't work well with others; try to do everything themselves, on their own, in isolation #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA2. #BizChats @mashbusiness Not listening to feedback. Drawing the employer/employee/friend line. Accepting failures and improving on them.TopProspectGroupQuestion 3:Q3. How can a leader take on more ownership without becoming overwhelmed? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Inspire your team to follow your vision and remember to hold them accountable. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA3 You can only manage what you can measure. Staying organized allows for a leader to take on more responsibility. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA3 Leaders own more by inspiring others to own more. #bizchatsDan Rockwell@mashbusiness A3 Delegate! If the people you lead trust you & your decisions, delegate as a way 2 encourage them to do great work! #BizChatsJake CounselbaumA3 ownership doesn't mean doing it all - build a team, learn to delegate #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA3b Quality leaders set a precedent by showing their team how to turn it "off" when it's time to recharge and honor themselves. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley@mashbusiness A3. You can still delegate even when leading by example. Your team needs to feel involved to take ownership #BizChatsSylverA3. #BizChats @mashbusiness A proper work/personal balance goes a long way. Remember, your team will follow your lead and help when ask.TopProspectGroup@mashbusiness A3 A leader needs to know how to properly prioritize in order to take on more ownership. #BizChatsYelling MuleA3 identify the next small steps, strategize + organizatize #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA3. Be accountable but pass on responsibility to your team - inspire and empower them and have their backs #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA3: Create the plan, then delegate responsibilities. Delegation is such a problem for new leaders #BizChats https://t.co/Jk0dQifuY0Shannon Owens@mashbusiness A3: Investing time in finding quality managers to embody and execute the mission. Trust and training are everything! #bizchatsMichael MillerA3 Recognize the need for self-care. An empty well waters no one. Have healthy boundaries & allow your team to do the same #BizChatsILESHA GRAHAMQuestion 4:Q4. What are some useful tips for leaders managing a team for the first time? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA4 If you’re leading a team for the first time, connect w/team members individually before the first meeting. #BizChatsDan RockwellA4. Meet with each member of your team individually and get to know their unique strengths, challenges and drives. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA4 Begin by making individual connections. build individual relationships #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA4 Breakdown your ultimate vision into easy to follow steps. Help your team buy into the goal by showing them a clear plan. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA4 @mashbusiness #BizChats make sure you know the strengths of each team member and let them shine!Lynn Wicker#BizChats A4 - be humble, don't presume to know it all, be inclusive and remain part of the team. Do not create a gap between you and teamGordon Tredgold@mashbusiness A4. Don't be a big wig. Be relatable and reliable. You're still a person, and you're leading people, not robots! #BizChatsTracey Edouard @mashbusiness A4 Be authentic, human and accessible. Lead by example. Practice belief in your team. Allow comment and criticism. #BizChatsIdeonA4 Tips for new leaders: over communicate, ask ?'s, attend 2 low hanging fruit-get easy + early wins for your team #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA4: Breathe. Get organized. Figure out long-and-short term goals, & don't be afraid to ask for support #BizChats https://t.co/zoIvUyKsBsShannon CaulfieldA4b Your team doesn't necessarily have to "like" you at first. Respect and trust are both much more valuable initially. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA4. Take the time to spend time with members both individually and as a group to learn about their personal side. #H2H #BizChatsKapilA4 #Leadership tips: don't take anything personally - remember the 4 Agreements #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAM#BizChats @mashbusiness A4. Get to know your team, find out what their likes/ dislikes, help/inspire growth. Earn their trust and respect.ThinkTPGA4 For new hires, work culture is so important...as a new leader work to set the team tone #BizChats https://t.co/UWlahGtv7E #millennialsLaK.nicoleQuestion 5:Q5. What steps should a leader take when dealing with office politics and/or conflicts? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA5. Lead by example and don't get involved. Keep some distance and have clear boundaries. You're a leader NOT a friend. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA5B Work is work and work is never more fun than when you're operating a clean team that is focused on performance and value. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA5 - If you create or support a political culture, then that's what will happen. What culture do you want to support or create? #bizchatsRobert Kennedy IIIA5. Lead by example and don't get involved. Keep some distance and have clear boundaries. You're a leader NOT a friend. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA5 Watch your own behavior - don't take sides or gossip. Model integrity. Focus on the work and the big vision #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAM#BizChats A5 - be fair, be open, be transparent, be non politicalGordon TredgoldA5. @mashbusiness #BizChats You can't be both the boss and best friend. Keep it professional in the workplace and lead by doing.TopProspectGroup@mashbusiness A5: Communication is key & while office politics is unavoidable - honesty and intergrity should be at forefront #BizChatsJorge R FelixA5 You can either be in politics or production but you can't be involved in both. This is why performance trumps bonding at work. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA5 Practice organizational transparency to minimize office politics. #bizchatsDan RockwellA5 Office Politics: Understand the informal network - beyond the org chart who are the real leaders + influencers #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAM@mashbusiness A5: Empower the team to hear each other and listen. But also know that your human capital is human. #bizchatsMichael MillerA5C I operate a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on passive aggressive behavior. You're direct and honest or you're toast. I work with adults #BizChatsBrenden Dilley@mashbusiness A5 Behave like a human, accessible, transparent, adjudicatory, positive and conciliatory, with vision for success #BizChatsIdeonQuestion 6:Q6. How does emotional intelligence play into effective leadership? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6 Emotional intelligence trumps IQ. In order to lead ppl, you must understand & connect w/ppl. #bizchatsDan Rockwell@mashbusiness A6-b Listen, learn and share, always. Promote a spirit of inclusion! #BizChatsIdeonA6 Great leadership truly is about understanding that the people you work with will require tough love, empathy and sincerity. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA6 @mashbusiness #BizChats Having more EI allows a leader to better understand the variety of personalities on the teamLynn WickerA6B The greater understanding of the human psyche the better chance of being able to empathize and help team members beyond work. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA6 - Wow. If you have low EQ, then you're in for a long night. #bizchatsRobert Kennedy III@mashbusiness A6 It's all about EQ, it's the foundation for solid, mature leadership (assuming there's enough IQ too!) #BizChatsIdeonA6. When u understand how ur emotions affect others, when u have this emotional awareness, u can better control ur reactions #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA6: Being able to recognize and regulate your own emotions will have positive impacts on your team immediately. #BizChatsCourtney ByrdA6 effective leaders are those who have a high level of EI - technical skills matter, ppl skills matter more #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA6. Emotional Intelligence plays such a huge role in effective leadership but is often underestimated. EQ needs to be developed. #BizChatsNarges Nirumvala@mashbusiness A6 Its what was said earlier at the end of the day we are humans with emotions & we have to take into acct this tool #BizChatsJorge R FelixA6 Emotional intelligence is critical for management: need to know how to de-escelate & validate others opinions #BizChatsLauren Hill ForneyA6: High level of EI = Choose battles wisely, behave confidently during conflict/disappointments, & help team do the same. #BizChatsCourtney ByrdQuestion 7:Q7. What are some myths about leadership? #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats A7 They're too young to leadGordon Tredgold@mashbusiness A7 Myths about #Leadership: that it takes the same skills to lead as to manage #BizChatsILESHA GRAHAMA7 It’s a myth to think leaders work in the business. In reality, successful ldrs work ON the business. #bizchatsDan RockwellA7. It's a myth that you have to wield authority or be bossy. You should instead COMPEL and inspire people with your vision #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA7 Good leaders don't need to fake an appearance of success. Huge egos don't demand respect. #bizchatsJ16 Mediaa7: leadership myth: leaders are more skilled than their team #bizchatsPay ComplimentA7: One myth is that leaders are born and not made. Leadership is a skill we can all work towards and develop #BizChatsPaysavvy@mashbusiness A7: That it is an endpoint. Real leaders are constantly changing and growing #BizChatsMichael Millera7: leadership myth: that you always lead from the front, sometimes you must coach from the sideline or push from behind #bizchatsPay ComplimentA7B The myth that you being wrong hurts your credibility when in fact taking responsibility for an error actually grows leadership #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA7. Myth: Leaders never fail. #BizChats (Actually, failure can make them better leaders.)Annette Franz, CCXPA7: Myth-That you should be an expert in all things. True leaders know and strive for growth, both personally and on the job. #BizChatsAshley N SantosA7 Leadership myths: You have to know all the answers + Asking for help weakens your leadership #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA7 myth: authoritarian figure- Successful #leadership creates environment where creative ideas are heard & shared #BizChatsLauren Hill ForneyA7. Myth: Leaders never ask for help. #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPQuestion 8:Q8. What final tips do you have on evolving into a leader? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8: Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Be teachable and learn how to be an effective, transparent communicator. #BizChatsAshley N SantosA8: You'll never hit the finish line. Being an effective leader is a never-ending, evolving process. Keep at it! #BizChatsCourtney ByrdA8 @mashbusiness #BizChats Leaders must have the heart of a servant and wake up every day asking themselves how they can add valueLynn WickerA8 The #1 commitment of remarkable leaders is the commitment to self-development. #bizchatsDan RockwellA8: Do not forget about the employees/colleagues/etc. that helped you along the way #BizChats #EmployeeAppreciation https://t.co/eHlHHR4J2ORymax MarketingA8 Sincerity, authenticity and vulnerability will draw team members in both humanizing you and commanding respect at the same time #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA8B It is possible for us ALL TO WIN. Nobody has to lose in order for your team to be a success. Be kind but have a spine. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA8C Don't take yourself too seriously. At the end of the day it's business and if you hold on too tight it kills enthusiasm. #BizChatsBrenden DilleyA8 Lead by example- listen to & validate others. Don't be afraid to voice your own innovative ideas #BizChatsLauren Hill ForneyA8 study leadership (good + bad), engage in a lot of personal development - know thyself #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA8. Be yourself and be confident! Keep learning and above all else BE HUMBLE and don't be afraid to ask for advice. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaA8: Don't be the leader you read you should be, trust yourself to be the leader your team needs #BizChatsPaysavvyA8: Communication is forever a priority. Acknowledge the success of your team; encourage loyalty. #BizChats https://t.co/uPej05bfW7Shannon CaulfieldA8. Look for opportunities to serve. Be a servant leader. #BizChats @mashbusinessILESHA GRAHAMA8. Don't be afraid to speak your mind. But also be prepared for what you might hear. #BizChatsAnnette Franz, CCXPA8: Never stop learning, and remember that the best lessons often come from the people you're leading #BizChatsPaysavvyClosing Comments: Thank you for joining today’s #BizChats, sponsored by @MOO!Mashable BusinessThank you to @mashbusiness for inviting me on as a #leadership expert in today's #BizChats and to all of you for the great conversation!Narges NirumvalaThank you @mashbusiness for having me on your #BizChats as a #Leadership expert. I enjoyed the dialogue and connections. @mashableILESHA GRAHAMThank you @mashbusiness for another great #BizChat! Interacting with amazing leaders is what inspires others to become better!Shannon CaulfieldToday's @mashbusiness #BizChats was informative and insightful on the core values of a true leader. Thank you and until next time!Vaenessae Bryson@mashbusiness What an amazing experience! Keep in touch everyone. #BizChatsNarges NirumvalaExcellent discussions this afternoon, more than pleased to have participated in today's #BizChats