10 Traits for strong leadership in 2021

January twenty-twenty-one may not have had the positive start we wanted, but it's not too late to turn it around. Set yourself a new ‘New Year’s Resolution’ and gain back control. Take lessons from the last twelve months. Look at what you can hold on to and where you can progress further. Commit to making 2021 the year you strengthen your leadership by embracing these 10 traits:

1. Showing up

More than just being there, effective leadership requires you to show up. Being truly present encompasses a lot of different factors. You must show up with openness and optimism, with curiosity and ready to build connections. These personal traits will have such a huge influence on your colleagues, as well as your ability to reach potential.

“How you feel about yourself determines how you show up for your team.” [Source]

2. Trust

Being a leader who people trust goes deeper than just good relationships. Building trust with your team empowers them. It helps to form individuals who are not afraid to take risks, who are more productive, more energetic and less stressed, and who are up to 76% more engaged. Who knew something as simple as trust could make such a vast and meaningful difference?!

3. Active listening

Managing in a way which values open dialogue is one of the best skills you can harness. It can be as easy as asking how your employees are doing and receiving their response with care. This has undoubtedly been well practiced during the pandemic as we no longer work in the same space as our teams. Take active li