4 Traits of a Steady Leader

Below are the four traits I believe are the top powerful traits of true Steady Leaders.

1. Steady Leaders are thoughtful.
   
   If you have been following me or reading my notes for any length of time, you know I am a huge proponent of thinking time for leaders. Leaders are thinkers not only for their own growth, but also as an example and a teacher for their people. A thoughtful leader is someone who has a vision, builds a plan to execute that vision, regularly communicates company values to their team, and prepares diligently for every project, meeting, and conversation. The whole goal of being thoughtful is to be in a position where you can respond, not react, to situations.

2. Steady Leaders make maintaining their health a priority.
   
   I know I also mention this a lot – but it is worth repeating. A steady leader is healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually.
   
   Physically your body must be an asset to you, not a liability. Your physical endurance allows you to endure stress for longer and at higher levels than others.
   
   Mentally you must have a growth mindset. This means that you strive to think more positively than negatively, and you are always looking for opportunities to grow yourself, your team, and your business.
   
   Spiritually you free yourself from the constraints and expectations of the material world. Having spiritual strength keeps you from allowing the external world to influence your decisions, allowing you to always focus most on what you know is best for your team and company.

3. Steady Leaders are strong communicators.
   
   Great communication happens in both written and verbal form. A steady leader verbalizes things in a simple, yet persuasive, way that encourages the buy-in of your people and clients. Communicating effectively also refers to the frequency of your communication. You know not to just say things one time and let it be done. In fact, you should actually start to feel self-conscious about how many times you are repeating something. That is when you will know you are communicating it enough. When you communicate in this way, your team never has to wonder what you are thinking or expecting from them.

4. Steady leaders value accountability.
   
   This last trait happens to align very well with what I am currently reading in John Maxwell’s book, High Road Leadership.
   
   "Accountability is the glue that hold teams together no matter how difficult the circumstances become."
   
   Leadership is influence, influence depends on credibility, and credibility is renewed daily by being accountable. Maxwell asserts:
   
   Accountability and Responsibility Work Together
   Accountability Builds Your Credibility
   Accountability Keeps you Consistent
   Accountability Increases Your Self-Respect
   Everyone Needs to be Accountable to Someone
   Saying No to Accountability Means Saying No to the High Road
   
   Accountability is doing what you say you are going to do. It is so important for your leadership effectiveness. When you are consistently accountable to performing for the sake of others, you inevitably adopt the powerful mindset of never quitting. Once you consider someone important to you or your operation, you'll give all your all to maintain your "word" with them.
   
   An accountable leader is humble and vulnerable. You must acknowledge your imperfect humanness by acknowledging that there are always improvements you can make. You must be open to other people holding you accountable to ensure you constantly improve yourself, and then empower your team, your company, and your family to follow suit.
   

   It is easy to read this list and consider it. It is much harder, however, to actually live it out. I challenge you to live these traits and be the Steady Leader your team deserves.

Written by Schuyler Williamson

Pre-Order The Steady Leader Book: Pre-Order Book

Weekly Email List

God Bless!

~ Schuyler Williamson