Simple Ways To Be an Exceptional Leader

How exceptional leaders differentiate themselves from great leaders comes down to just a few, simple qualities.

When I first started contributing to yeisa, one of my first and favorite posts — and most popular — was when I reflected on the great mentors and leaders with whom I have had the privilege to work over the years to identify the six things exceptional leaders do better than all others. These six characteristics included:

1. Great leaders are exceptional communicators and orators. Exceptional leaders are better at knowing when to shut it and listen.
2. Great leaders are exceptionally idealistic vision setters. Exceptional leaders are better at admitting when they are wrong.
3. Great leaders are exceptionally organized and analytical. Exceptional leaders are better at delegating.
4. Great leaders are exceptional problem identifiers. Exceptional leaders are better problem solvers.
5. Great leaders are exceptionally confident decision makers. Exceptional leaders are better at dishing credit.
6. Great leaders are exceptionally smart. Exceptional leaders are better at not being stupid.

I still feel strongly about these six qualities, and they continue to be exceptional characteristics I measure and see in the respected leaders I have met through my advising and consulting career.

1. Great leaders are good at solving problems. Exceptional leaders are able to empower their employees and trust them in problem-solving situations.
2. Great leaders run an efficient office. Exceptional leaders exude positivity and confidence as they inspire their employees to be excellent.
3. Great leaders do their best to minimize mistakes. Exceptional leaders are accountable to the performance, good or bad, of each of their employees (and are quick to praise the good).
4. Great leaders are aware of their workplace culture. Exceptional leaders intentionally direct their workplace culture to be in line with the company’s mission.
5. Great leaders are kind to their employees. Exceptional leaders intentionally develop a passion for empathizing and understanding their employees on a deeper level.
6. Great leaders develop solid relationships with their co-workers. Exceptional leaders have the janitor’s birthday on their calendar.

In the end, there are many ways to measure the qualities and characteristics of exceptional leaders. Moreover, every leader has and should leverage a unique personal and professional style and brand that is in line with the goals and mission of their organization.

So if you don’t feel like you measure up to these traits, don’t fret it — your leadership style and the specific needs of your organization should be the measuring stick against which to compare.  

The Youth Team Has played  a very big role in creating jobs among other youth by taking step forward through skills they have been given by YEISA strategies for youth participation in Solution for Youth Employment projects.To accelerate efforts towards diversified training through non-formal education including Entrepreneurship, Traversal social and economic skills, leadership social and academic skills to the youth for self employed creation and job placements.

At Youth Employment Initiative South Africa, we care about what we do and strive to empower the lives of youth in the Durban and South Africa Nation wide community through our wide range of programs. We help shape our youth into young leaders of the future so they walk out of our doors prepared to take on whatever comes their way. Take a look at our variety of services, and learn more about everything we have to offer.