6 Traits of a Focused Leader

6 Traits of a Focused Leader

​There is all sorts of research about the benefits of being a leader that is focused. Research shows that when you are focused, you are more productive, performance improves, you are resilient and more creative. But true leaders know that they have to focus in 3 ways.  Their focus needs to be on themselves, others and the wider organization or group. 

Studies and an article from Harvard Business Review show that when you practice mindfulness it improves your focus, and clarity.  It helps you to not only focus on yourself, but connect and have empathy towards others.

With focus you can more easily respond and think about a situation instead of just reacting to a situation.  Put this in the work context.  What if you could actually show more compassion for your co-workers, interact and communicate more fully and manage more effectively?  With mindfulness and focus you can do that.  Below are 6 ways that mindful and focused leaders impact and benefit an organization.

Connect. When a leader connects, engagement increases. According to Gallup, employees go the extra mile, work with passion and have a profound connection to the company.  They are the employees that drive innovation and move your business forward.

Listen. The best leaders are not concerned with always talking.  But listen to what their employees are saying.  Communication is a two way street.  It is listening and engaging.  Listening is about understanding, learning and then responding. 

Collaborate. Research shows that collaboration in the workplace is better than having sole individual talent.  With collaboration overall performance and loyalty is increased. When employees and leaders collaborate, motivation, customer experience, innovation and morale is boosted.

Creative. When you are focused and practice mindfulness your mind becomes clear and sharp to make creative and critical decisions.  You begin to view situations and challenges not as obstacles but opportunities.  Leading to new ideas, creativity and innovation.

Feedback. Feedback is an important element in the workplace as it increases productivity, quality of work and effectiveness of the team. Employees initiative, innovation and motivation increase with regular and constructive feedback from leaders.

Compassion: According to an article from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, when leaders put pressure on employees it increases the stress level of employees.   Stress ultimately leads to higher employer costs.  Plus 52% of employees report that workplace stress will result in them looking and leaving for a new job.  With compassion the work environment becomes a happier place. Resulting in better customer service, engagement, commitment, social connection and an improved bottom line.

With focus a leader can think more clearly.  Have the space to make critical decisions and be more creative.  Remember, a great leader is not without skill and talent.  But has the added dimension of quality personal skills and embraces collaboration, compassion and communication in the workplace to improve the bottom line. 

Have you seen the benefits that focus and mindfulness has had on leaders that you respect? Please leave a comment and thank you for reading.  

Colleen Cassel is founder of Upstream Solutions, a business and career consultancy.  She speaks, trains and coaches leaders and organizations on impacting performance in their business and career. Working on authentic and mindful leadership, communication and creating thriving work environments. Connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Google+

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