6 Tips to being an outstanding leader

For years I have been learning from various leaders in personal development and business. Like most people who study great leaders, the question always comes to mind, “What makes an outstanding leader and one that can influence others?”

Here are a few tips on what I think make a great leader and principals that I myself try to live by from learning from other excellent leaders.

1. They have a high level of Emotional Intelligence. Many experts believe that a person’s EQ is far more important that one’s IQ. EQ has been a proven as a major predictor of success. The quality of one’s relationships and overall happiness in our life is enhanced and enriched just by having a high EQ. The benefits of mastering emotional intelligence, helps with our physical health, mental well-being, our success in life, conflict resolution and being an outstanding leader.

2. They present, look, feel and talk with Ever met anyone with such an amazing energy that the way they speak, walk, and stand just makes you drawn to this person? This person has your attention, has you hooked and wanting to know more. This is the type of person that represents himself as a leader. Take a look at Tony Robbins, Operah Winfrey, Brian Tracey, Barak Obama.. The list of outstanding leaders goes on.

3. They are highly organised and have a plan/schedule. If you think of someone who has worked hard for their success, some of the best athletes and brilliant minds in business, you can bet that these people all have a plan for their future and some sort of schedule to keep them on track of their goals. Mastering organisation, productivity and execution makes you a leader in your field of work. Someone who gets things done because they won’t stop until they have achieved what they worked so hard for.

4. They over-deliver. Again think of some great leaders and the content they produce. An example that comes to mind was when I bought a Tony Robbins book last month. A very thick book filled with all his expertise and knowledge (was only $25). I have bought other books for this amount and courses more than $25; and the content I got from Tony’s book I was really impressed by my value for money. Even when I attend some seminars, some are for free and the information and knowledge I gain from these seminars, I am very impressed by how much some leaders over deliver on their work. This makes me keep coming back for more of their content, as well as builds a trust between me and them. When a potential client builds the trust in a leader and his/her work – you have then gained a new client, follower or a student who will practice what you preach. I find this very valuable.

5. They are a master of execution. As mentioned before, execution is the key to all success. Starting somewhere is better than procrastinating and never starting at all. A few of us get overwhelmed with our to-do lists that we never plan to start and before you know it, 6 months to a year has passed by and what have you achieved? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

6. They do what others will not do. One of the things that makes me feel fulfilled is the long nights I look out my window and I am working away while everyone is either out partying, drinking, watching television or sleeping. I am up for my early morning run while everyone else is sleeping in. People who want success, want to win, want results, want a better life, better health and more happiness to do everything they can every single day, to make the days count; instead of counting the days when a miracle will happen to them. These people are the leaders who create their own destiny, hustle every day, have a never give up and never give in attitude. These are the high quality outstanding performers that will do, what others will not do.

What do you think makes an outstanding leader? I would love to hear your suggestions.