Like learning to drive, leading and managing people is an experiential journey. On this journey, leaders get to learn a lot about themselves.  They learn the way they think, how they manage emotions and whether their inner dialogue serves them or not.   Without a doubt experience leading a team creates a growth mindset, including a willingness to learn and become more self-aware.  Higher self-leaders will have personally grown whether in a work or a domestic environment.  Here we discuss the leadership attitudes of people who operate from their higher self.

My entrance onto the leadership stage was when I was promoted into the role, having stood in for the team leader from time to time   Although I had practised leading people I hadn’t experienced it properly until I had to do it for real.  Having the dexterity, personal capability and experience to successfully lead a team took a long time to develop.  Although I had pretty reasonable interpersonal skills to start with, unfortunately, these skills did not equip me to deal with the complexities I faced at times. And so I had to continually learn.

leaders emerge at different stages

People get into leadership roles at different stages in their lives.  Some people in leadership roles often have a lot to learn about people,  because they haven’t had the experience of leading and managing people. This can mean their leadership attitude may not be as mature as someone who has had a lot of experience.   You can’t learn to operate from the higher self from a leadership or management textbook.

Junior leaders can be appointed because they have displayed leadership skills or are proficient in the specific field they are in.  Some senior leaders may have initially had a most distinguished career as a professional.  Perhaps a doctor,  lawyer or accountant and then they’ve gone on to lead people with the same specialism.  An entrepreneurial business owner may be extremely successful and have acquired commercial business acumen and savvy long before they employ and lead people.   Their level of people skills and their leadership attitude will often determine their success as a leader or not.  The most successful entrepreneur or mature professional may find the going very tough indeed if they have not honed their leadership from their higher self.

People skills and emotional intelligence

One of the most impactful people skills is emotional intelligence.  Wikipedia describes emotional intelligence as” the ability to identify, assess, and control the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups.”  If you’ve ever been in an office where you have seen people have tantrums of a two-year-old or the rumour mill is the most reliable communication channel, or there is a prevalent blame culture, then you know that the skills of the emotionally intelligent are somehow lacking.  Even worse, if conflict is commonplace, and your people aren’t firing on all cylinders or even are openly disengaged then you may have a problem which stems from limited or poor emotional intelligence.   All is not lost, however, because emotional intelligence can be developed, it just takes experienced emotionally intelligent leaders to show the way.

Emotional intelligence is one of the key skills of higher self-leaders.  This is because they can allow, identify, assess and regulate emotions to get the best possible outcome.

Leadership Attitudes of higher self leaders

I have worked with and supported many leaders.  I have led and managed teams locally, regionally and nationally.   During this time, I practised and observed leadership attitudes and behaviours which have been the most successful in getting the best out of a team.  These attitudes and behaviours are most commonly adopted by leaders who are tapped into their higher selves.  They have experienced and strived to find ways that work.  As a result, they have the best people skills.

Accepting People as They Are

A pivotal leadership attitude is accepting team members as they are, and understanding that each individual brings unique strengths and challenges to the table. Leaders who embrace this attitude do not seek to alter fundamental personality traits. Instead, they focus on helping team members develop skills and strategies that enhance their work-life balance and personal growth. This leadership attitude celebrates diversity in thoughts and approaches, seeing them as enriching the team’s potential. By appreciating the distinct characteristics of each individual, leaders foster an environment of acceptance and understanding, which is crucial for building a cohesive and dynamic team. This approach leads to a diverse and robust work environment, where every member’s unique contributions are valued, leading to innovative solutions and a richer work experience.

Seeing the Good in Others

Leaders who adopt the leadership attitude of seeing the good in others believe in the inherent worth and potential of every team member. This attitude is fundamental in fostering a positive work environment. Leaders who see the good in others work to unearth and nurture the positive core of each individual, even when their behaviours may not immediately reflect it. They understand that everyone has a higher self and strive to help team members tap into it. This doesn’t mean accepting poor behaviour; instead, it involves recognizing that people are capable of improvement and often perform better when they understand and align with their higher selves. By focusing on the inherent goodness and potential in their team, these leaders create a supportive, nurturing environment where everyone is motivated to give their best and grow.

Staying Grounded When Facing Negativity

Incorporating the leadership attitude of staying grounded in the face of negativity is crucial for leaders dealing with challenging situations. Leaders who master this attitude do not internalize negative feedback or reactions from others; instead, they maintain a core of tranquillity and peace. They are adept at facing criticism constructively, using it as a stepping stone to enhance their leadership and team dynamics. This leadership attitude involves a balanced approach to handling negative situations – staying detached enough to not be overwhelmed by them, yet engaged enough to address and resolve them effectively. By staying grounded, leaders are better equipped to help their team navigate through negativity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.

Not Judging

Developing a leadership attitude of not judging is one of the more challenging yet rewarding aspects of effective leadership. Leaders who practice this approach avoid making hasty judgments about people or situations. Instead, they assess circumstances based on their effectiveness and potential outcomes. This non-judgmental stance prevents the creation of negative energy and unproductive labelling, allowing leaders to remain focused on finding solutions. By avoiding judgment, leaders foster an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and make mistakes, knowing they will be guided towards improvement rather than criticized. This leadership attitude promotes an open, inclusive, and supportive work culture, where problems are approached with a mindset geared towards growth and solution-finding.

Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt

A crucial leadership attitude is giving others the benefit of the doubt. Leaders who practice this understand that jumping to conclusions or crafting negative narratives without full information can be detrimental to team morale and trust. They recognize that most team members are doing their best within their circumstances. They know gaps in performance or behaviour often have justifiable reasons. This leadership attitude fosters a culture of trust and understanding, where team members feel valued and fairly treated. Leaders who give the benefit of the doubt are more likely to inspire loyalty and honesty in their teams. This is because their approach shows a commitment to fairness and a willingness to understand before making decisions. This attitude is fundamental in creating a positive and supportive work environment. An environment where team members are motivated to do their best. Where they feel confident that their efforts are recognized and appreciated.

True Listening

The leadership attitude of true listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves deeply understanding the perspectives and feelings of team members. Leaders who excel in true listening create a space where every individual feels heard and understood. This level of attentiveness allows leaders to connect with their team on a deeper level, fostering trust and respect. True listening is a skill that requires setting aside one’s own biases and preconceptions to fully grasp the viewpoints of others. This leadership attitude is vital in resolving conflicts, guiding decision-making, and nurturing a collaborative work environment. When leaders truly listen, they demonstrate respect for their team’s opinions and experiences, which in turn encourages open communication and a stronger, more unified team.

Helping Others Communicate from Their Own Higher Self

Leaders who help others communicate from their higher self-focus on fostering positive, constructive communication within their teams. This leadership attitude involves responding neutrally to negative behaviours like anger, understanding that such reactions often come from a place of stress or misunderstanding. Leaders with this attitude guide team members to reframe negative emotions and communicate in a way that reflects their best selves. This approach ensures that conversations remain productive and focused on positive outcomes, even in challenging situations. By consistently modelling and encouraging communication from a higher self, leaders build a team culture that values respect, understanding, and constructive dialogue.

Attempt to Always Achieve a Positive Outcome

A key leadership attitude is always striving for positive outcomes in any situation. Leaders who embody this mindset believe that there is always a path to a win-win solution, even if it requires patience and creativity. This attitude drives leaders to look beyond immediate challenges and focus on the long-term benefits for their team and organization. They understand that sometimes giving situations and individuals space to evolve is necessary for achieving the best possible outcome. By always aiming for positive results, these leaders instil a sense of optimism and possibility in their team, fostering a culture where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Caring About People

Caring about people is a fundamental leadership attitude that recognizes the interconnectedness between the leader and the team members. Leaders who genuinely care about their people maintain their ability to be kind and supportive, even in difficult situations. This leadership attitude goes beyond professional responsibilities; it’s about showing genuine concern for the well-being and personal growth of team members. Such leaders understand that caring for others positively impacts the entire team’s morale and productivity. By being empathetic and compassionate, these leaders create a work environment where team members feel valued and supported, which in turn fosters loyalty, engagement, and a strong sense of community within the team.

Empowering Others

Empowering others is a critical leadership attitude that centres on trusting and valuing the abilities of team members. Leaders who practice empowerment give their team the autonomy to take initiative and make decisions. This leadership attitude fosters a culture of innovation and self-reliance, where team members feel confident in their abilities and motivated to contribute their best. By empowering their team, leaders facilitate a dynamic work environment where creativity and personal responsibility are encouraged. This approach not only enhances individual performance but also drives the collective success of the team, as members feel more invested in the outcomes of their work.

Nurturing Growth

Leaders who nurture growth focus on the continual development and advancement of their team members. This leadership attitude involves a commitment to providing opportunities for learning and professional growth. By investing in their team’s development, leaders demonstrate a belief in their potential and a dedication to their success. This approach includes offering training, mentorship, and constructive feedback, all aimed at helping team members reach their full potential. A leader who nurtures growth creates a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where team members are encouraged to expand their skills and knowledge, leading to a more skilled and adaptable team.

Practicing Empathy

Practising empathy is a vital leadership attitude that involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Empathetic leaders create a supportive and understanding work environment. This leadership attitude goes beyond mere sympathy; it’s about genuinely putting oneself in another’s shoes and understanding their perspective. Empathetic leaders are better equipped to handle team conflicts, provide effective support, and foster a positive team culture. By showing empathy, leaders build trust and strong relationships with their team members, which are essential for effective collaboration and team cohesion.

Collaborative

Fostering a collaborative environment is a key leadership attitude. Leaders who value collaboration understand that the collective effort of a team is greater than the sum of its parts. This leadership attitude involves encouraging teamwork, valuing diverse perspectives, and creating opportunities for joint problem-solving. By promoting collaboration, leaders build a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support. This approach not only enhances the team’s problem-solving capabilities but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among team members, leading to increased motivation and job satisfaction.

Offering Support and Guidance

Offering support and guidance, especially during challenging times, is an essential leadership attitude. Leaders who excel in providing support are seen as reliable sources of strength and guidance for their teams. This leadership attitude involves being available and approachable, offering assistance and advice when needed. By being supportive, leaders help their team navigate through difficulties, providing the necessary resources and encouragement to overcome obstacles. This approach not only helps in resolving immediate challenges but also builds a resilient and capable team, prepared to face future challenges with confidence.

Encouraging Open and Honest Communication

Encouraging open and honest communication is a critical leadership attitude. Leaders who prioritize transparent communication create an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas. This leadership attitude is about more than just sharing information. It’s about fostering a culture of trust where honest feedback is valued and encouraged. By promoting open communication, leaders ensure that all team members are informed and engaged. They are aligned with the team’s goals and objectives. This approach leads to better decision-making, stronger team relationships, and a more inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Cultivating Inclusion

Cultivating an inclusive and diverse culture is a key leadership attitude. Leaders who prioritize inclusion understand the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. This leadership attitude involves actively seeking and valuing different viewpoints. Thus creating an environment where all team members feel respected and included. By fostering inclusion, leaders enhance the team’s creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall performance. This approach benefits the team. It also contributes to a more equitable and just work environment, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

Role Modelling

Role modelling integrity and ethics is a fundamental leadership attitude. Leaders who lead by example set the standard for behaviour and ethics within their team. This leadership attitude involves consistently demonstrating high moral standards in all actions and decisions. By being a role model, leaders build a culture of trust and credibility, where ethical behavior is the norm. This approach is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and fostering a work environment where honesty and integrity are valued and expected.

Adapts to Needs

Adapting to individual and team needs is a dynamic leadership attitude. Leaders who are flexible and responsive to their team’s unique strengths and challenges create a supportive and effective work environment. This leadership attitude involves understanding and addressing the specific requirements of each team member and tailoring approaches to optimize performance. By being adaptable, leaders ensure that the team can respond effectively to changing circumstances and challenges. Thus maintaining productivity and morale even in the face of adversity.

Celebrating Success

Celebrating success and learning from failures is an important leadership attitude. Leaders who recognize and celebrate achievements foster a culture of appreciation and motivation. This leadership attitude is about more than just acknowledging accomplishments. It is about using successes and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. By celebrating success and constructively addressing failures, leaders encourage a growth mindset within their team. In this way, effort and progress are valued, and challenges are seen as opportunities for development.

Is Positive and Optimistic

Maintaining an optimistic outlook is a key leadership attitude. Leaders who embody positivity and optimism inspire their team to stay motivated and focused, even in challenging situations. This leadership attitude is about seeing the potential in every situation and maintaining a hopeful and constructive perspective. By being positive and optimistic, leaders create an energizing and motivating work environment, where team members are encouraged to approach challenges with confidence and a can-do attitude. This approach not only enhances team morale but also drives innovation and creativity, leading to greater success and fulfilment.

Adopting the Leadership attitudes

Depending on your ability to stay connected to your higher self, adopting these attitudes might sound unrealistic, given some of the “difficult” people you might be leading.  If you can practice these attitudes of higher self-leaders, the people problems which keep you awake at night will disappear.

Unfortunately, we aren’t born with an instruction manual. Navigating and improving our own higher self often comes through our own life experiences and self-reflection.  The good news is there are some clear and easy steps to tapping into these attitudes of higher self-leaders.

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I help leaders develop self- mastery, helping them to become confident in their own inner guidance.

I collaborate with leadership experts, managers and HR professionals to help them get their own message and unique services and products to a wide audience.

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