Leadership is Not just About Designation - #6 Traits that Make you a True Leader A true leader focuses on people, not power

Leadership is about people, it has nothing to do with any title. Being a leader is not easy. Every individual is different from the other and come from different background, and has different thought process. So leadership is all about understanding people.

So-called leadership titles like, "CEO", "VP", "GM", etc., only show their power over others. If you want to be a true leader, you must inspire your employees through your actions. As John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

The world doesn't need the bosses, it needs leaders who understand their jobs -- and the job of a leader is to grow more leaders. There's no blueprint to become a good leader, it's a step-by-step process. But here are some traits which can help you to become a good leader.

Be Your Own Leader

Everything starts with you. If you cannot lead yourself, then you can never lead anyone else. Self-leadership is the greatest challenge for anyone as a leader. Spend quiet time with yourself to know yourself. Discover who you are, what you want to achieve, and how will you get it. Learn from your experiences, develop self discipline and take action. Always stay connected with people and look for opportunities because this adds to our knowledge. A successful leader doesn't move without practical definite plans. They plan their work and work their plan.

2. Value Every relationship

A true leader focuses on people, not power. Don't become a title-driven leader, be a relationship-driven leader. You can't lead people unless you value every relationship and understand them. If you're talking to your employee, no matter what's his/her job profile (whether he's janitor or a junior member), always remember that there is a person behind that job profile-they're more than a tool and resource. So always try to add some value in their life.

3. Say 'Thank You' to Your Employees

Two simple words have the power to motivate and inspire your employees and make them feel great -- Thank You. Your team helps you accomplish a goal, give the credit to them, and let them shine. When you say thank you, it represents that you're truly a grateful person. Your every employee makes a difference. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they're more likely to do great work for your company. Make it a habit to say thank you. Remember, great leaders claim none of the honours.

Harvey Mackay said it best: "A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude. Expand the appreciative attitude to suppliers, vendors, delivery people, and of course, customers."

4. Encourage People to do Their Job

"Jai, you did a great job of dealing with client this morning." This simple line has a great power to encourage employees like Jai to do their best work. It costs you nothing, but the results can be enormous. Successful leader praises his team by telling them that they are doing great work. Most of the people don't work only for money, they do it because they believe that their work matters. Share your vision and mission with them and ask for their inputs. Motivated people are excited about their job and perform well.

5. Always be a Good Listener

Always listen what your team members want to say. What are their ideas and suggestions, even if you don't like it. Don't just hear, but genuinely listen to them. The door to the office of the real leader is open to all who wish to enter. Employees want a leader who cares about them. Put yourself in their shoes. Your listening skills determine the quality of your influence. A true leader is never too busy to connect and maintain a solid relationship with his team.

As Napoleon Hill said, "People may follow the forced leadership temporarily, but they will not do so willingly."

6. Be a Person of Values

I read it somewhere, "your job gives you authority, but your actions earns you respect." Leadership calls for respect. Don't become that leader who is not loyal to his associates. Lack of honesty, loyalty, and ethics are the major causes of failure in your personal and professional life. Don't just work on improving your success rate, you must work on improving your personality and value rate. It's not the size of your office which makes you a great leader - your values and character does.

You have probably heard this quote, "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." Take a minute and think about the values that matter most to you.