7 Proven Leadership Qualities For Sure Fire Career Success
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Leadership qualities, or the lack of them, have been in the news quite a bit recently. Between reports of racist remarks made by industry leaders to the blatant sexism called out by the #MeToo movement, good leaders seem to be in short supply. And don’t even get me started on the physical and mental abuse Scott Rudin allegedly inflicted on his employees. There appears to be a definite leadership deficit in our industry and our society.
However, voids create opportunities, and opportunities abound for those demonstrating the qualities of authentic leadership. What are those qualities?
Here are seven traits I’ve found to be proven leadership qualities for career success in our industry or any other:
- Accepting responsibility.
It’s easy to take credit when things are going well. But what about when everything goes wrong? True leaders don’t play the blame game with others. They accept responsibility and show leadership moving forward.
Unfortunately, in our industry, this kind of leadership is increasingly rare. That’s why those who dare to demonstrate mature leadership immediately stand out.
If you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, try it. You may not please everyone, but you’ll catch the attention of other real leaders who can help advance your career.
- Sharing credit.
Authentic leaders are happy to share credit for their successes because they’re aware that they didn’t accomplish them alone. They had help, and they know they wouldn’t be where they are without the work of others.
Talented people won’t stick around for very long with someone who takes credit for their work and never lets them shine. A true leader gives credit where credit is due and welcomes others to share the spotlight.
- Remaining calm.
If you’ve ever worked for a short-tempered boss who yells and throws tantrums when things go wrong, you can understand what a pleasure it is to work for someone who remains calm in the face of adversity.
Flying off the handle is too often attributed to creative temperament in our industry, but it shouldn’t be. Authentic leaders don’t abuse others. They remain calm and lead in good times and bad.
If you can remain calm in a crisis and provide solutions rather than hysteria, you’re showing leadership. And it will be noticed and eventually rewarded.
- Collaborating with others.
Influential leaders know how to work effectively with others as part of a team. Filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor, yet our industry is full of people who don’t work very well with others.
It can be excruciating and demoralizing working with people who won’t work as part of a team. Especially when what you’re working on can’t be accomplished any other way.
In sports, as in filmmaking, leaders must be team players. Demonstrate your leadership skills by collaborating well with others.
- Communicating well.
Have you ever worked with or for someone who’s a poor communicator? If so, you know how essential effective communication is to our industry. Set safety and accomplishing the day’s work depends on calmly letting everyone know what’s happening.
Yet, there are still people in leadership positions who lack this skill. If you want to build strong relationships with all departments on set, communicate with them. Keep them in the loop of what’s going on.
You’ll be seen as a capable leader, and others will be happy to help you succeed.
- Showing humility.
Authentic leaders don’t grandstand; they show humility in the face of their success. They know the difference between the humility that comes from confidence and the insecurity that results in egotism.
Insecure people don’t become great leaders, in or outside of the film industry. Leadership takes confidence, humility, and a sense of purpose.
Once you put these three elements together, outstanding leadership can follow.
- Serving others.
If you want to see who the true leaders of our industry are, look at the roster of board members and officers for the guilds, unions, and trade organizations of our industry. These are the people giving their time and energy to something greater than themselves. They are serving the needs of the broader industry community.
Authentic leadership involves service to others. Leaders know it’s both an obligation and a joy to use their skills to be of service to others. They’re passionate about their desire to serve.
Leaders use their time and energy to grow new leaders through their service. Their own careers often benefit tremendously as a result.
Conclusion
If you want to increase your sense of autonomy over your career, brush up on your leadership skills. There are plenty of opportunities for new leaders to demonstrate their skills and ability to lead.
Once you demonstrate competent leadership, unexpected career opportunities are sure to follow.