In the Know: Developing leadership qualities

In the Know is a monthly partnership between LP Gas and Propane Resources. This month, financial consultant and business valuations expert Tamera Kovacs addresses how to instill leadership qualities in your team. 

Q What are the best ways to develop leadership qualities in yourself or employees?

A Developing leadership qualities is a personal journey, and the destination often shifts with time. Some leaders continue to develop, grow and evolve over time, while other leaders may lose relevance. It is important for a leader to continuously strive to become better.

Part of the challenge is to understand your strengths. Then surround yourself with team members who bring strengths to complement your weaknesses and who can become leaders with you. Bring in team members who are always challenging you to be better.

Leadership comes in many packages with many goals. One size definitely does not fit all. Consider the following to develop leadership qualities:

• Identify leaders you respect and would like to emulate. Study these leaders, develop a relationship with a leader you respect and ask if they’ll be your mentor.
• Become a better listener – one rarely gains insight or learns while talking.
• Be open to change. Challenge yourself to be more open-minded and consider another’s point of view.
• Ensure your actions mirror your words.
• Surround yourself with people who constantly challenge you, not just agree with you.
• Seek opportunities to encourage and develop another’s leadership. Be a mentor for someone. You will learn as much from the individual as they do from you.
• Know and hone your energy. All leaders have a certain energy. Some are charismatic, and others have a quiet energy. Each can be uniquely strong.

A recent example of leadership and leadership styles occurred on Jan. 24 during the Kansas City Chiefs versus Buffalo Bills game. Early in the game, a Chiefs punt returner failed to catch a punt and fumbled the ball, turning it over deep in Chiefs territory, which resulted in a touchdown for the Bills.

When the player came to the sideline after fumbling, he was immediately approached by the quarterback, several other players and one of the coaches. Not one approached to chastise him but to tell him to shake it off and be ready for the next big play that came his way.

During the Chiefs’ next offensive drive, that player had a great play, picking up big yards. The announcers said they would not have given him another chance to make another mistake in such a critical game.

My take: They don’t understand the leadership of this team, not just the head coach but each individual on the team. It’s not about any one of them but how they all work together and support one another.

That particular announcer’s style of leadership would not have been a good fit for the Chiefs organization. It would have been in direct conflict to the leadership style and goals the Chiefs are working to achieve.

Be wise about how you develop and use leadership, for it may bear unintended consequences. With leadership comes great responsibility.

Tamera Kovacs is a financial consultant and industry expert in business valuations and sales at Propane Resources. She can be reached at tamera@propaneresources.com.