FEATURE: Mark of a Leader - Succeed with Agility

By Timothy A. Edward

Watch gifted leaders closely, and you will see that they have a persuasive tongue and their upbeat communication skills lead to profitable collaborations. They also strategically empower their workforce and continuously streamline their teams to the mission at hand and systematically work towards the removal of toxic behaviours. Martin Luther King, Jr. said the ultimate measure of a leader is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. 

Communication Style

Leaders who are more upbeat are more likely to have positive relationships with their employees. The heart of the wise teaches their mouth, and their lips impart knowledge. In simple terms, an agile leader's communication style inspires and motivates followers.

Leaders who are more persuasive are more likely to be successful in their careers. They understand well how theories such as social facilitation, social loafing, groupthink, and Tuckman’s stages of group development play out in an organisational context. 

Agile leaders are good active listeners, and eager observers of non-verbal communication. They take practical steps to promote trust and psychological safety. They are also great negotiators, well versed in negotiations and mediation and apt at resolving conflicts constructively. 

They take after charismatic leaders who are perceived as having certain attractive qualities, such as confidence, enthusiasm, and optimism, which they use to articulate a clear vision and persuade others to work towards it. Some of the most effective leaders among us are those who can create a vision and then inspire others to follow that vision. 

Empower workforce 

Then, companies that are able to continuously streamline their operations are more likely to be successful.

Agile leaders foster an environment of mutual respect, humility and generosity. They encourage participation and collaboration, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. As transformational leaders, they stimulate and inspire followers to exceed their own individual goals for the benefit of the collective.

Remove toxic behaviours

Abusive, manipulative, calculative and exploitative behaviours undermine the well-being and performance of staff. Therefore, addressing and removing toxic behaviours is crucial for maintaining a healthy, productive work environment and continuous improvement. Agile leaders do not allow envy, strife, and anger to fester in their organisations, as removing these behaviours is inherently good. Companies that are able to address toxic behaviours are more likely to have a positive work environment. 

In summary, agile leaders make good teams great. As they progressively develop a practical understanding of human psychology, they leverage that knowledge and skill to inspire and empower their teams. Their persuasive communication skills tap into emotional intelligence, building rapport and fostering a positive work environment. They also recognise the importance of psychological safety, which reduces toxic behaviours and allows team members to contribute freely. Through strategic empowerment and ongoing alignment with the vision, mission, core values and culture of the organisation, such leaders cultivate a high-performing and engaged workforce, driving profitable collaborations.

‘The best leaders are those who can empower others to achieve their full potential.' - Bill Gates.