7 Things Successful Leaders Do Differently

Although I feel that all the items included on this list are important, I believe that number #3, “they use humor,” is often understated and not frequently discussed in this context. Of course, being funny in a professional setting is often a difficult thing to master because you must always walk a fine line and be sure to not cross into the “inappropriate” or “offensive” territory.

However, I interpreted this step in the broader sense that using humor is a way of showing your personality. Although you are a leader, you are also a real person, and using humor or being approachable will allow others to relate to you on a human level. Showing your personality helps others establish bonds with you and want to talk to you as a person as opposed to censoring their important thoughts about a work topic because they don’t want to risk offending you in some way. In fact, I think this point overlaps with most of the other items mentioned on this list, most of all: #1. Putting relationships first and #7. Managing your energy. I believe that being approachable and human is an important trait for any successful leader to have and it is certainly an objective that I will be sure to work towards as I continue to calibrate my leadership style towards my “true north.”

Below are the “7 Things Successful Leaders Do Differently,” according to Paula Davis-Laack:

1. They put relationships first.
2. They know that meaning matters.
3. They use humor.
4. They lead and live with their strengths.
5. They make their pessimistic thinking.
6. They make their own luck.
7. They manage their energy.

Read the full article here:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/pressure-proof/201206/7-things-successful-leaders-do-differently