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.
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action? 👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence. May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .