4 Key Behaviors of Highly Effective Leaders
Cathie Leimbach • June 18, 2024
Great leadership begins with a mindset that fosters the success of others. This leadership mindset is pivotal for organizational excellence. It encompasses four key behaviors: being supportive, maintaining a strong results focus, considering multiple perspectives, and solving problems effectively.
- Leaders who are supportive build trust and encourage team members, creating a positive work environment.
- A strong results focus ensures that goals are met efficiently and effectively, driving the team towards success.
- By considering multiple perspectives, leaders can make well-rounded decisions, fostering innovation and inclusivity.
- Effective problem-solving enables leaders to navigate challenges swiftly, maintaining progress and morale.
McKinsey studies found that together, these behaviors account for 89 percent of leadership effectiveness, demonstrating that a balanced approach combining empathy, goal orientation, inclusivity, and strategic thinking is crucial for leading teams to success.
This mindset not only enhances individual performance but also cultivates a collaborative and thriving organizational culture.
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a respected professor at Harvard Business School, has spent her career connecting the dots between leadership and economic innovation. Her work shows that developing strong leaders doesn’t just benefit companies—it creates ripple effects that boost entire communities and economies. Effective leaders encourage teamwork, spark innovation, and help their organizations adapt to change. That kind of forward-thinking leadership attracts investment, drives productivity, and supports long-term growth. Kanter believes leadership isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic asset. She famously said, “Strategic leadership is an economic resource,” reminding us that developing talent is more than an HR initiative—it’s an engine for prosperity. But good leaders aren’t born overnight. Building strong leadership takes training, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. And when businesses and governments make that investment, the rewards show up as better jobs, stronger institutions, and thriving local economies. Kanter’s research is clear: the path to economic progress starts with leadership development. If we want innovation and growth, we need people equipped to lead with vision and impact. 👉 Want to explore this connection further? Check out: How Good Leadership Helps Innovation and Growth
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