Supercharge Your Strongest Attributes to Get the Best Results
What do we mean by strongest attributes, you might ask? Well, we all have strong attributes that allow us to do our jobs. However, we need to know which attributes work best in different situations. Think about the last workplace challenge you faced. What attributes helped resolve the situation? Now, think about having to give an employee constructive feedback. Which different attributes were used on that occasion?
Now, this is a big topic. This can just be a long list of different attributes. Here, we will look at the strongest attributes we need to get results in different situations. Specifically, we will look at the strongest attributes for a leader to work best. Next, we will look at the strongest attributes for effective teams. Also, we will look at what to avoid to ensure better success. Finally, we will give you some top tips for making our strongest attributes a continuous process for getting results.
What Do We Mean By Strongest Attributes?
Well, according to Merriam-Webster, an attribute is defined as “a quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something”.
Therefore, strongest attributes are those qualities and characteristics that achieve better results. Also known as positive attributes, these strongest attributes are necessary for us to interact with others. We use them to resolve challenges. And, we require them for leading others and working in a team.
From personal experience, there is a wide range of strong attributes needed throughout the company. Having trained thousands of staff over the years, you see different strong attributes during training sessions. Actually, some are more common than others. However, some attributes can actually hinder a group situation. Think of the negative attributes that can create barriers. Now, consider the strongest attributes that could have made the situation better. Let’s have a look at some of the important strongest attributes for leaders.
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Strongest Attributes of an Effective Leader
It can be challenging to lead a team because you have different personalities in the team to lead. This can create a number of challenges for us to resolve. From my years of experience leading teams, I have personally witnessed a number of these challenges.
For example, a common one I faced was a simple clash of personalities. Specifically, one stronger personality was overpowering the quieter team members. Another example is ego! That’s always a difficult one for leaders to address. I’ve had my fair share of egos in a room that can derail any basic discussion or meeting. Also, negativity can be a very common attribute that leaders need to address. We will discuss that one a little later.
As leaders, strong attributes are essential to lead others. Again, from experience, I have chosen 7 that we will cover. Basically, I have personally seen these in action. In my opinion, these are the strongest attributes that will help leaders achieve better results.
1 – Empathy
We need to understand others and imagine what they are going through. Remember, you were there at one time. Make decisions based on empathy and understanding. All in all, it allows you to connect better with your entire team.
2 – Emotional Intelligence
Know the 4 elements of Emotional Intelligence. They will serve you very well.
1) Self-awareness:
We need to be aware of our own strengths and limitations. Do self-checks. Understand your emotions and their impact on others.
2) Self-management:
Next, control the response. You are in control of you. Nobody else can manage you better than you can.
3) Social awareness:
Also, be aware of others and their emotions. Know their limitations. Respect their points of view. You can’t be right all of the time.
4) Relationship management:
Finally, we need to manage our engagement with others. Remember, interactions matter. We need to connect. Think of others before yourself.
3 – Decisiveness
Making decisions can be difficult. One of our strongest attributes as a leader is making the tough decisions. However, we need to communicate our decisions effectively. Be strong. However, don’t be afraid to ask others for advice.
4 – Problem-solving
Every problem has a solution. It may take time and many ideas. However, as a leader, use your experience and knowledge to think outside the box. Think of previous experiences and learn from them. Share them with others in the team to allow them to develop.
5 – Adaptability
Change management is one of the strongest attributes a leader can display. Every industry develops and grows. Leaders need to be ready for these changes. Keep an open mind. Remember, be a change driver, not a change divider.
6 – Empowerment
Allow others to have a say and make decisions. Leaders need this strong attribute to grow and develop others. One of our strongest attributes can be to release control and trust others. Give others a chance to shine and grow.
7 – Integrity
Be real. Leaders need to be trustworthy. Also, we need to be authentic. Without this, we will be missing one of our strongest attributes. Nobody wants to work for, or with someone, they can’t trust and believe in.
Bonus Material ⇒ Ulitmate Guide on Leadership Skills.
Strongest Attributes for a Successful Team
So, we have looked at the strongest attributes for leaders. Now, we will look at the strongest attributes that help a team work effectively together. Within teams, there are certain strong attributes we need amongst the different members. Here, we will discuss 5 of the strongest attributes for effective teams.
1. Collaboration
A team’s strongest attribute is to collaborate with others. Here, we need everyone working towards the same goals and targets. First, avoid placing yourself above others. Everyone has a contribution to make in a team. Next, ensure everyone is clear about the end target they are aiming for. Also, clarify any crossover of areas of responsibility. And, hold regular team meetings to discuss progress and barriers. All of these steps will allow better collaboration to happen.
Remember, teamwork for group tasks is essential for success. This strong attribute allows teams to work on their individual tasks as well as share tasks. Ensure members assist others when needed to achieve the team goal. Avoid showing favouritism that could create a gap in the team. Collaboration relies on each team member feeling valued ad appreciated. Recognise all members for their contribution to encouraging and motivating the group. This way, the team members will work better together.
2. Communication
Another strong attribute for teams is effective communication. Without this, the team’s efforts will fail. So for best results, ensure there is open communication. The team needs to have transparency. They also need to feel safe to share their ideas and suggestions, as well as concerns. Therefore, allow every member of the team to have a voice. Next, check that the communication is clear, avoiding misunderstanding. If there are mixed messages in the team, mistakes can happen. Also, ensure that active listening is happening in the team. These communication skills will help the team be more successful.
So, teams need to have effective communication skills. This includes verbal, non-verbal and written communication. Regular and effective communication within the team is a strong attribute that all teams need. When communication breaks down, the entire task can face problems.
3. Mutual Respect
Within the team, there must be mutual respect and trust. If these strong attributes are missing, the team will suffer. So, know your team’s strengths and limits. With this information, you can better match the members to the different areas of responsibility. Also, ensure that all team members maintain good relationships throughout the task or project. This way, you are more likely to achieve the right results.
Furthermore, when differences occur, leaders need to address them promptly. Otherwise, the team may have delays in meeting their goals due to the breakdown in communication and collaboration. When mutual respect and trust exist, the team can make better decisions together. Also, there will be better harmony in the team dynamic.
4. Responsibility
Each team member has a role to play to achieve their goals. Therefore, it is important to create a proper understanding of each person’s area of responsibility. Set clear expectations for each member of the team. This way, you create clarity for everyone involved. Next, hold people accountable for their areas of responsibility. As a leader, you need to check regularly that team members are meeting their goals. Otherwise, the project or task will go off track.
5. Clarity
Throughout the task, the team needs clarity. This includes clarity of their role and responsibility. Create clear individual goals that contribute to the overall task. Next, ensure everyone knows their time frames. Also, clarify the final goal the team is working towards. All in all, clarity is a strong attribute for a team to avoid misunderstandings and frustration. It helps to prevent interpersonal disagreements.
Also, clarity for the team includes providing feedback throughout the task. This can be both positive and constructive. As a leader, you are responsible for providing effective and clear feedback on the team’s progress. This element of clarity will keep the team on track. Motivate through positive reinforcement. Correct through effective constructive feedback. Allow team members to ask questions to improve clarity. And, have transparency at all times.
Bonus Material ⇒ Ulitmate Guide on Team Building Skills.
Negative Attributes to Avoid
We have looked at the strong attributes that leaders and teams need for success. Different strong attributes can create great results. In comparison, negative attributes cause problems. Here, we will look at 5 common negative attributes to avoid.
1. Selfishness
One attribute that we need to avoid is being self-centred. No team or leader can achieve great results by thinking only of their own needs. Personal identity and goals are good to have. However, when they take over, problems occur.
I have faced this issue in the past. Basically, one member of the team puts themselves and their needs above the team’s objectives. It had a very negative impact on the team dynamic. So avoid creating gaps in the team. Also, commit to the team’s needs as well as ensure your personal goals are accomplished. Both can go hand in hand.
2. Negativity
This contagious attribute can cause a lot of damage to the team. It can spread uncontrollably very quickly. Often, this starts out as a small issue. Then, it grows and spreads like a virus. Leaders need to keep their ears to the ground. Talk to your team regularly to ensure they are remaining optimistic about the task at hand.
Positivity as a strong attribute can create great energy and enthusiasm within the team. However, negativity can lead to a variety of issues for the task, project or team. Here are some of the effects of negativity that you might face.
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of productivity
- Poor time management
- Lower staff morale
- Lack of collaboration
- Breakdown in communication
- Increased turnover
- Lack of confidence in the team/task
So, address the first hint of negativity before it spreads. Also, ensure that everyone remains optimistic, even on tough days. Then, challenges will come in team tasks. However, ensure that any barriers are openly discussed. Find solutions together as a team. And, agree on a way forward that gets everyone back on track.
3. Arrogance
One of the strongest attributes I personally fear is arrogance. This attribute creates so many barriers, such as:
I know everything.”
You’re wrong.”
I’m always right.”
This mindset blocks out the need to adapt and learn. Also, it leads to egotistical behaviour. Avoid thinking that you know everything. Accept that others may have more knowledge and skills than you. Be willing to learn from others and acknowledge their contribution.
4. Judgemental
We all judge. We can deny it, but it’s true. As a leader or a member of the team, we need to keep our judgements to ourselves. Avoid creating division based on your personal opinion. Differences enhance a team’s dynamic.
5. Aggression
We appreciate assertiveness. It can create energy and great buy-in for tasks. However, aggression can demotivate people. Also, it can intimidate and humiliate many. Aggression is another form of bullying. It must be avoided as a leader or team player.
By enhancing our strongest attributes, we reduce the possibility of these creeping into different situations. It is important that we identify negative attributes in ourselves as well as others. That way, we can reduce their impact.
Have an I.D.E.A. about the Strongest Attributes
We have looked at the strongest attributes to have, as well as those to avoid. Now, we will see how to manage these strongest attributes to get the best results. From experience, I know that applying these strongest attributes can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we need to have a good I.D.E.A. about attributes to achieve better success.
1 – Identify
First, identify your strongest attributes and limitations. By doing this, you know what you are doing well. However, it also shows where you need to improve. Do this for members of your team as well. Know where the gaps and barriers exist, as well as the strengths. This is an important first step. Honesty at this stage is very important.
A great activity I use in training is asking attendees to do a self-assessment. Provide a list of different attributes and ask them to choose 5 of each. They should choose 5 strengths and 5 areas of improvement. At times, the results can be very interesting. By doing this, you’re asking the participants to be open and honest. It’s a useful activity to link directly to the next step.
2 – Discuss
Next, discuss the areas of strength and development with team members. Have the same discussion about your own development. This conversation can happen with your direct senior. From experience, I can also recommend discussing this with your Learning and Development Manager. Also, you can have a discussion with an external consultant in a similar role.
These discussions are important for a number of reasons. For example, a team member may not be aware of their negative attributes. They may be unaware of the impact they have on the team. Make time to have these conversations. Support the team member with development ideas and resources. Ensure they also understand the strong attributes they bring to the team’s success. Both sides of the conversation need to happen. Also, make time for self-development. Remember, leading comes through learning.
3 – Enhance
Now, we need to work on enhancing these strongest attributes. This can be done through a number of approaches. Coaching sessions can help. Also, classroom sessions with a designated trainer can work. Some can be done on the job. Choose the approach that best suits the individual as well as the attribute you are developing. I find that using a mix of all three approaches creates better change and results.
4 – Align
Finally, align the strong attributes to the different situations you have every day. Different situations require different use of our strongest attributes. Be aware of the situation and which strongest attribute will best suit you. Avoid letting negative attributes sneak in. And, ask for feedback so that you can continue to improve. Furthermore, self-awareness is an important part of this stage. Remember, provide feedback to others on what is working. And, highlight where improvement can still continue.
Finally, a Recap
There are MANY attributes that we could simply list. However, this article has tried to example the strongest attributes we need as leaders and in a team.
Focus on these strongest attributes to get the best results. And remember, have an I.D.E.A. about how to enhance these strongest attributes for success.
