Great leaders share 4 key traits:
Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment of Others, Vision and Strategic Thinking, and Adaptability. Consider these influential real-life leaders and how they used these behaviors to move their organizations forward.
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Consider the story of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. In 2008, when Starbucks was struggling, Schultz returned as CEO after an 8-year hiatus. He quickly realized that the problem was a loss of company culture and connection with customers. Schultz took the bold step of closing over 7,000 stores for an afternoon to retrain baristas in making espresso. The focus wasn’t just on technique but also on customer connection – the very thing that made Starbucks unique. Schultz showed a high level of emotional intelligence by recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of his employees and customers, which played a key role in Starbucks’ turnaround.
The Importance of Empowering Others
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (GM), is a shining example of this lesson. When she assumed the role in 2014, she faced the daunting task of revitalizing the bureaucratic culture of a century-old company. Barra initiated a cultural shift by empowering employees. She simplified the dress code to two words, “dress appropriately,” which gave employees greater autonomy and showed trust in their judgment. She also empowered managers to make decisions that previously required senior leadership approval. Barra’s focus on empowerment has been instrumental in GM’s ongoing transformation.
Vision and Strategic Thinking
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, epitomized vision and strategic thinking. When Apple was struggling in the late 1990s, Jobs returned and revitalized the company with a clear vision: to make technology that was not just functional but also beautiful and easy to use. The result was a series of groundbreaking products, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad that changed how we interact with technology. Jobs’ ability to foresee what customers would want before they knew it themselves underscores the importance of vision and strategic thinking in leadership.
The Role of Adaptability
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, demonstrated her adaptability when she spearheaded the company’s Performance with Purpose initiative. Recognizing changing consumer preferences and the growing importance of health and wellness, she diversified PepsiCo’s portfolio to include healthier options, despite facing criticism and skepticism. This move paid off as it positioned PepsiCo to better meet evolving consumer demands.
Each of these stories underscores different but equally important facets of effective leadership. As you grow as a leader, consider how you can incorporate emotional intelligence, empowerment, vision, strategic thinking, and adaptability into your approach.
