Leadership Qualities Great Candidates Are Looking For

It's Commonly Said 'people Leave Managers, Not Companies'. So What Are Great Candidates Really Seeking In A Leader?

In this video Katie shares (5) key qualities great candidates are actively seeking out in the modern workplace.

Transcript

Today, I'm wanting to share with you the top five things that new hires are looking for within their leaders. There are lot of different perspectives on what makes a good leader.

Some believe good leaders are born, others believe leadership can be taught. Like most things in the workplace, good leadership has evolved. The lead and follow style of management is far in the past, and has given way to a more consultative, and collaborative way of working.

Job seekers are being more and more discerning, about the leadership style of the person that they report to. According to the Indeed Job Happiness Index, leadership style is the second thing, that is impacting job happiness. We've spoken to some of Brisbane's top leaders, as well candidates in the market, and we've asked them to define what a good leader is.

A leader who listens as much as they talk, has topped the list. Most great leaders are naturally strong communicators. However, communication is as much about speaking, as it is listening. It's a simple act that will create respect, trust, engagement and loyalty from your employees. The second was a leader who shows appreciation, and gives recognition. Great work is often a team effort, and good leaders understand the power of crediting their team's work, individual ideas, contributions and achievements. Showing appreciation doesn't have to be a grand gesture, or an expensive reward. For many people a simple well done, or thank you is powerful.

Next was a leader who is adaptable. A study through the University of Melbourne, found that a leader who demonstrated a degree of flexibility in their approach, received better satisfaction ratings from their teams. Perhaps the best leaders are chameleons. Next on the list was a leader who practices honest and transparent communication. If a leader wants to build trust and ability, to achieve results through their people, transparency and honesty in communication is essential. People want to know where they stand, and an open door policy isn't about physical walls or doors, but a leadership style that is open and engaged in the workplace.

Finally, a leader who is consistent, was most important to those who we spoke with. Whatever leadership style or technique you employ as a leader, the most important thing is that you're consistent. Whilst being predictable might seem like an unattractive trait, an element of predictability in consistent leadership, will provide the stability that people need to thrive and achieve. We help great leaders build great teams.