Some people are natural born leaders. But, as executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we know that for most managers, strong leadership skills usually come about the old-fashioned way – through many years of experience and lots of trial and error. And while no leader is perfect, there are some traits and tendencies that many (though, certainly not all) of the most effective ones share. Here’s a look at 5 of them.

#1. They surround themselves with the best people.

Leaders can’t do it all or know it all. But one thing a strong leader knows is that it’s imperative they hire people who excel in areas in which they don’t. They also know to hire people who are flexible, smart, loyal, and who can execute their vision.

#2. They invest in their people.

Even if you hire the best, they’re not going to stay the best if they’re not always learning and growing. Strong leaders know this – and that’s why they invest substantial resources in their people in order to hone existing skills and develop new ones.

#3. They listen to their people.

Strong leaders are known for their willingness to listen to new ideas. As a result, employees feel more comfortable voicing opinions and concerns, which can have a hugely positive impact on morale, not to mention the company bottom line.

#4. They’re excellent communicators.

Not only do strong leaders have a clear-cut vision for the future of their companies and organizations, but they also know how to communicate that vision to their employees, create a plan of action, and motivate employees to achieve it.

#5. They set the tone.

Strong leaders don’t expect their employees to work 10-hour days without doing it themselves. They practice what they preach, from meeting deadlines, to coming to work on time, to communicating in an open manner.

At the end of the day, as a company leader, you’re so much more than just the boss. You’re a cheerleader, a mentor, a visionary, an innovator, and, at times, a disciplinarian. But being as effective as possible in this role requires commitment and constant improvement. And while there are endless things you can do to become a better leader – from workshops to reading books – the points above are a great place to start.

Also, if you’re ready to surround yourself with the best team possible, but need some help finding the right people, give us a call. As executive recruiters in Houston, Texas, we know where to look to recruit true top performers. And we have a 95% candidate success rating to prove it. Learn more now.