Strong Leadership Characteristics | Baton Rouge CPA

Quality leadership is a result of the utilization of characteristics that are identifiable and easily strengthened. When a team has a strong leader, they will work more efficiently and the workplace will be overall a better environment. Without a leader, even the best employee can’t reach their full potential. The following characteristics shared by our CPA in Baton Rouge, LA have proven to be critical qualities in a leader:

• Appreciation

When your team members are acknowledged and appreciated, you will foster a working environment that rewards and motivates the contributions made. There are many ways to demonstrate appreciation for your team, including verbal recognition (public praise), bonuses and pay increases, extra time off, gifts, meals and more. Showing appreciation will increase the amount of respect you receive from your team.

• Accountability

A great team will appreciate and thrive with the appropriate accountability. Setting clear expectations and communicating clearly will help to establish this. After setting the expectations, you can then put accountability measures in place. Checking team member deadlines and reviewing work quality will help to maintain accountability. Providing honest feedback to your team will allow them to achieve the professional growth they likely desire. When balanced with appreciation and facilitated with respectful communication, accountability can lead a team to new levels.

• Compassion

Compassion will help you to naturally understand and cater to the needs of your team. Understanding the importance of work-life balance, considering benefits that matter to a team, and allowing for trusting relationships to form are all ways to demonstrate compassion as a leader.

• Honesty

Dishonest communication can often lead to confrontation and problems long term. Imagine that a team member is underperforming regularly. It may be uncomfortable for an employer to confront this difficult situation. Instead of directly and honestly discussing the needs of the business, the leader may instead try to sugar-coat the feedback and soften the communication.

Unfortunately, this won’t allow the team member to correct the communication or to begin looking for more appropriate employment. Long term dishonesty can lead to a dysfunctional team.

Excellent leadership can take time to establish. It can make or break the success of a business and a team. Strengthening leadership skills can be an invaluable contribution to your business. Contact our accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA for a business evaluation and further analysis on the leadership within your business.