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What is it that exceptional leaders do that makes them, well, exceptional?
Maybe it’s the confident, yet humble way with which they hold themselves.
Maybe it’s how they use their sense of humor to disarm others and engage with them.
Or maybe it’s the way they manage to always focus on the positive, but still remain realistic in their endeavors.
When it comes to exceptional leadership, you’ll find that it’s not merely what a leader says that sets them apart from the rest; rather, it’s their actions that define them as an exceptional leader.
So if you’re wondering what makes a leader exceptional, or if you’re looking for ways to stand out in the workplace, or if you’re just wanting to fine-tune your own leadership skills, there are a few, small things you can do differently that will have a huge impact on how others perceive you.
8 Small Things that Exceptional Leaders Do Differently
1. They live in the present, and still plan for the future. Have you ever had a conversation with someone where they seemed distracted and disengaged with you? It probably made you feel like they didn’t care about you or what you were saying. An exceptional leader engages and lives in the present, no matter what they’re doing or whom they’re talking to. They give their full attention to the present moment, but extract what they’re learning to apply later in the future. They know that time is their most precious commodity, thus they are experts at making the most of the present, while still thinking ahead.
2. They don’t see kindness as a weakness. Many people falsely assume that kindness is a weakness, but exceptional leaders see it as an asset. They emphasize generosity and believe in “paying it forward,” whether it’s buying the intern their coffee or waiting to hold the door open for others. However, they also know that sometimes they must give tough love, or that they must “be cruel to be kind.” They know that telling others the truth may hurt at first, but that ultimately they need to hear it to avoid further pain down the road. In this way, exceptional leaders make kindness a way of life, and not a rare practice or habit that is merely bestowed upon others from time to time.
3. They give credit where it’s due. Less effective leaders don’t make a habit of giving credit where it’s due, which not only damages morale, but also takes away the teamwork aspect of any organization. An exceptional leader, however, recognizes hard work and the contributions made by others by giving credit where it is due, and not taking ownership of others’ accomplishments.
4. They listen more than they speak. Exceptional leaders are humble people, meaning they don’t need to be the center of attention or the person who is always talking. Instead, they focus more on listening to others. They understand that communication is a two-way street, and that others’ voices are just as important as their own.
5. They understand that mistakes are necessary for growth. Successful leaders didn’t get to where they did without making many mistakes along the way. They understand that mistakes are valuable and necessary lessons that are integral to one’s growth and learning. While exceptional leaders are accepting of mistakes, they will not be as tolerant of mistakes when the same mistakes are made again and again, and failure to learn from them is evident. They want others to grow and learn from their mistakes, just as they have.
6. They know how to give constructive feedback, while also being open to receiving feedback from others. Less effective leaders are capable of giving out criticisms, but are unable to take it when the tables are turned. Exceptional leaders, on the other hand, can both give and take feedback. They know that giving constructive feedback to others is necessary, but they also know that taking feedback from others is essential to being a quality leader. They take feedback in stride and use such criticisms to be stronger, wiser leaders.
7. They attach meaning to theirs and others’ work. Exceptional leaders know that to effectively lead others, they must both inspire and provide them with meaningful work. Thus, they help others to see how they fit into the bigger picture, and show passion about not only their role, but others’ roles, as well. They know that for the team, or even the entire organization to be successful, they must provide meaningful experiences with work that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
8. They nurture their relationships with others. For exceptional leaders, “relationship management” isn’t just a part of their job description. Rather, creating and maintaining meaningful relationships are what matters most to leaders. They don’t see relationships as mere connections that will get them from point A to point B, but instead as rewarding, valuable bonds that make them stronger, smarter, and more equipped to handle challenges. Whether it’s the lowest employee on the totem pole, or the highest-ranking executive in the organization, they see others not just as employees or colleagues, but as real people that are so much more than the job they do.
