What is an underrated leadership quality? - a LDP discussion
Hi everyone! Leaders are everywhere. Most of us interact with quite a few leaders whether in school, office, or elsewhere. Yet some leave a bigger impact on our lives than others.
Think of all the leaders you have interacted with and then on what makes them stand out. Chances are their quality may be subtle or not that often quoted when we talk about leadership.
What is an underrated leadership quality?
@ouiCherie
This is a thought-provoking prompt. I've often felt who is overlooked most often, in leadership, are those who are shy to speak but are deep observers and highly analytical. Often we think of leaders as charismatic and willing communicators, so it's natural for us to be drawn to the person speaking the loudest in the room, or speaking at all.
I've always turned my attention to the people in the room who quietly remain present, watching and reflecting. They often have the best constructive feedback and insight to offer, though may not share unless they're communicated with first.
I think that's why it's so crucial to approach everyone respectfully, as per their comfort, for their ideas and thoughts. And why there should be more ways made available for people to contribute, rather than traditional settings like multi-person meetings.
@zaatarHoney
Oh this is great, Zaatar! And I like the idea of giving more options to contribute for different personalities.
Whether at school, at work, or at any community, there are always these hidden gems.
But, how do we get the notion like, *oh this person or that person seems to know more. Let's hear it from them* ?
@ouiCherie
I love your question! My thoughts are being stirred. Lol
I haven't witnessed enough spaces in my life where leadership looks at their entire team as if they all have potential to have great insights. You know? And also, people are expected to just be leaders - fully developed and ready to go. There aren't often spaces for leadership to be fostered, or mentored. The greatest leaders could be hidden within people who lack confidence, or even come from trauma/complex-trauma that has them debilitated. I think we'd realize and awaken the leaders within others more often if we didn't need it to be so obvious for us to pay attention... and to give everyone the opportunities, equitably, to step into our greatness.
Also, now that I'm reflecting too... I think humility is one of the most underrated leadership qualities. We often think of leaders as infallible... but the best leaders I've ever known held themselves accountable. My least favorite leaders... made mistakes and let others take the blame. It kills morale.
Thank you for this post! I really enjoyed reflecting on this.
@zaatarHoney
You're awesome! I keep going back to this to reread and think 🤍
Great points, Zaatar!
@ouiCherie
I really must thank you so much for bringing me back to this post. Your prompt and following reflections truly embody your overall presence as a Listener and Leader here - insightful, sincere, warm and compassionately curious.
A lot of the new Listeners I've been reaching out to thru Care Team have something special within themselves that is so unique, but also so integral to what brings many of us to volunteer here - just sheer passion for showing others someone is there to listen - that they're not alone. So, I've been referring them to our Mentors page routinely so they can continue to cultivate their skill, prevent burn out/compassion fatigue, and consider their potential for leadership here on Cups, with the support of thoughtful guidance along the way.
And this only added more fuel to my fire. ♥︎ Thank you for reminding me.
@ouiCherie
Terrific post and question. Thank you for posting this thread.
A 'Listener' Leader one who listens intently then after hearing, poses a pertinent and or 'pushback' question afterward either to the person who just spoke or the group as a whole. I appreciate this type of dialogue for the statement and then the question prompt positional reassessment. I find this 'question my assumptions' a great way to rethink a problem and 'opportunity'.
Well Done, @ouiCherie (fantastic Username too!)
@CharlieDont37
Spot on. Leaders who challenge us with questions to rethink, reconsider issues we raise, or ideas we suggest, can help us to further grow and develop our problem solving skills. And make us feel truly heard and seen.
That's the ideal. But, sometimes things are not the ideal or not the way we expect, for example we start a topic, but they seem to not open for further discussion. What are some options we can do?
Btw, thanks for the kind words and for sharing your thoughts, Charlie 😊
@ouiCherie nobody leads me
@ouiCherie
The ability to pay attention to details and the courage to not go with the crowds.
😊
@VictoriaLove7
This second part reminds me of a quote:
“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must first turn his back on the crowd.” - James Crook
As one progresses up the ladder, they may have a more macro perspective and overlook some crucial details. Is it like that?
I guess leaders who can remain attentive to details are quite exceptional?
Thanks, Vic! ✨️