20 Key Leadership Behaviors and 10 You Need to Avoid

Leadership behaviors are the actions and attitudes that guide a team to success.

Think of them as the tools in your leadership toolbox. They’re the ways you act, speak, and make decisions that inspire others to follow you.

Why are these behaviors so important?

Simple.

They can make or break your success as a leader.

I’ve seen good leaders become great by mastering the right behaviors. And I’ve watched promising leaders stumble by falling into bad habits.

In this article, we’ll explore the positive leadership behaviors you need to succeed. We’ll also look at the ones you should avoid like the plague.

Are you ready to level up your leadership game? Alright, let’s get straight into it!

20 Key Leadership Behaviors to Emulate

As you read, think about how you can make these leadership skills your own. Remember, good leadership starts with you and your choices.

1. Listen actively: Hear what your team is really saying

Effective listening is a vital leadership quality. I’ve learned that effective leaders don’t just hear words coming out of people’s mouths, they listen with their whole being. When you truly listen, you pick up on the stuff that’s not said.

Try this: Next time someone’s talking, focus only on them. Don’t think about what you’ll say next.

Just listen. You’ll be amazed at what you hear.

Remember, everyone on your team has something valuable to say. Make them feel heard, and they’ll give you their best work.

2. Communicate clearly: Say what you mean, mean what you say

Excellent communication skills are like a superpower for leaders. I’ve seen it turn struggling teams into top performers.

Here’s my trick: Before you speak, ask yourself, “What do I really want to say?” Then say it simply.

Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to help you communicate clearly:

• Use “I” statements. Say “I think” or “I feel” instead of “You should.”
• Listen more than you talk. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
• Ask questions to make sure you understand. It’s okay to double-check.
• Be specific. Instead of “soon,” say “by Friday at 3 PM.”
• Watch your body language. Make eye contact and nod to show you’re listening.
• Avoid jargon. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it at work.
• Repeat key points. It helps people remember what’s important.
• Be honest, even when it’s hard. Your team will trust you more.

Clear communication takes practice. But I promise, it’s worth the effort. Your team will be happier, more productive, and ready to tackle any challenge.

3. Lead by example: Show, don’t just tell

Actions speak louder than words. It’s an old saying, but it’s so true in great leadership.

I once had a boss who always left early. Then he’d complain about low productivity. Don’t be that boss.

If you want your team to work hard, work hard yourself. If you want them to be kind, be kind yourself. It’s that simple.

4. Empower others: Give your team the tools to succeed

Great leaders don’t just boss people around. They help their team grow in their work environment and life.

Think about it: What does each person on your team need to do their best work? Maybe it’s training, or better tools, or sometimes it might just be more space and trust from you.

When you empower your team, you’re really empowering yourself. Their success is your success.

5. Be decisive: Make tough calls when needed

Sometimes, being a leader means making hard choices. I know it can be scary. But remember, not deciding is a decision too.

And often the worst one.

Here’s what I do:

1. I gather info.
2. Think it through.
3. Then make the call.

It might not always be perfect, but it moves us forward.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to make the call even if it turns out to be the wrong one and work on damage control on the backend.

Your team looks to you for direction. Be brave and give it to them.

6. Stay humble: Remember, you’re not perfect

Let me tell you a secret: No leader has all the answers. And that’s okay.

I’ve learned more from my mistakes than my successes. When you mess up (and you will), own it. Your team will respect you more for it.

Remember, being a leader doesn’t make you better than anyone else. It just gives you a chance to bring out the best in others.

7. Show empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes

Leadership isn’t just about tasks and goals. It’s about people. And people have feelings.

Try this: Before you react to someone, take a moment to imagine how they feel. It can change everything.

When your team knows you care about them as people, not just workers, they’ll move mountains for you.

8. Embrace feedback: It’s how you grow

Feedback can feel like criticism. But I’ve learned to see it as a gift.

Every bit of feedback is a chance to get better. Even if you don’t agree with it all, there’s always something to learn.

Ask for feedback often.

In every feedback session I give, I always ask my employees to give me feedback on what I can do better. How can I make their job easier?

Use what fits. Your growth as a leader will skyrocket.

9. Set clear goals: Give your team direction

A team without goals is like a ship without a destination. They might be working hard, but are they going anywhere?

I like to set big, exciting goals. Then we break them down into smaller steps. It turns the impossible into possible.

When everyone knows where we’re going, it’s amazing how fast we get there.

Here’s how I set the right goals for my team:

1. Dream big: Start with a vision that gets people excited.
2. Make it specific: Don’t just say “increase sales.” Say “increase sales by 20% this quarter.”
3. Set a deadline: Give your goal a clear end date.
4. Write it down: Put your goals on paper or a whiteboard where everyone can see them.
5. Break it into steps: Take that big goal and chop it into smaller, doable tasks.
6. Assign owners: Make sure everyone knows what part they play.
7. Check-in regularly: Talk about progress in team meetings.
8. Celebrate wins: When you hit milestones, take time to cheer each other on.
9. Learn from setbacks: If you miss a goal, ask why and adjust your plan.
10. Keep it flexible: Be ready to change your goals if things shift.

Remember, the best goals push you a little out of your comfort zone. They should make you stretch, but not break.

10. Celebrate wins: Big or small, acknowledge success

In the rush to reach big goals, it’s easy to forget to celebrate along the way. Don’t fall into that trap.

I make it a point to notice and cheer every win, no matter how small. It keeps the team motivated and reminds us all that we’re making progress.

Remember, success isn’t just about the destination. It’s about enjoying the journey too.

11. Take responsibility: Own your mistakes

I’ve learned that great leaders don’t shy away from their slip-ups.

They own them.

When you mess up (and trust me, we all do), admit it. Say, “I made a mistake.” It’s not easy, but it’s powerful.

Your team will respect you more for it. Plus, it shows them it’s okay to be human. We’re all learning together.

12. Be adaptable: Change is constant, roll with it

Change can be scary. But I’ve found it’s also where the magic happens.

Here’s a trick I use: When things change, I ask, “What can I learn from this?” It turns problems into chances to grow.

Remember, the most successful leaders aren’t the strongest or smartest. They’re the ones who adapt the fastest.

13. Inspire innovation: Encourage new ideas

I love it when my team comes up with wild ideas. Even if they don’t all work out, they get us thinking differently.

Try this: Next time someone shares an idea, say “Tell me more” instead of “But…”. You’ll be amazed at what you hear.

Innovation isn’t just about big inventions. It’s about finding better ways to do things every day.

Here’s a fun exercise I use to get my team’s creative juices flowing:

The “What If” Game

1. Grab a bunch of sticky notes and pens.
2. Ask your team: “What if we had unlimited money?” or “What if we could time travel?”
3. Give everyone 5 minutes to write down as many wild ideas as they can. One idea per sticky note.
4. Stick all the notes on a wall.
5. Read them out loud together. Laugh, discuss, and build on each other’s ideas.
6. Pick the top 3 craziest ideas.
7. Now, ask: “How can we make these work in real life?”

You’ll be surprised how often “crazy” turns into “genius” when you look at it from a new angle.

14. Practice integrity: Do the right thing, always

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. But it’s always worth it.

I’ve faced tough choices where the easy path wasn’t the right one. Those moments define you as a leader.

Your team is always watching. When you act with integrity, you set the standard for everyone.

15. Mentor others: Share your knowledge

The best leaders don’t keep their wisdom to themselves. They share it.

I love seeing my team grow. When I teach them what I know, they often surprise me with what they do with it.

Remember, when you lift others up, you rise too. It’s not just nice, it’s smart leadership.

Here are some tips I’ve learned about being a good mentor:

• Listen more than you talk. Your team has great ideas too.
• Ask questions. Help them find their own answers.
• Share your mistakes. It shows you’re human and helps others learn.
• Be patient. Everyone learns at their own pace.
• Celebrate small wins. It keeps people motivated.
• Set clear goals together. It gives direction to your mentoring.
• Be honest, but kind. Feedback should help, not hurt.
• Learn from them too. Good mentoring goes both ways.
• Make time for regular check-ins. Consistency matters.
• Encourage them to mentor others. It spreads the knowledge.

I’ve found that mentoring isn’t just about teaching skills. It’s about building confidence and helping people see their own potential.

When I mentor, I always ask myself: “How can I help this person shine?”

So, who on your team could use some mentoring today? Remember, the time you invest in others is never wasted. It’s one of the best ways to build a strong, capable team.

16. Stay curious: Never stop learning

The day you think you know it all is the day you start falling behind.

I make it a point to learn something new every day. It keeps me sharp and helps me relate to my team better.

Ask questions. Read books. Try new things. Your growth as a leader never stops.

Here’s a list of things I’m always trying to learn more about:

• New tech trends. They change fast, and I want to keep up.
• Different cultures. It helps me work better with all kinds of people.
• Psychology. Understanding how people think makes me a better leader.
• History. Great leaders from the past have a lot to teach us.
• Public speaking. There’s always room to get better at this.
• Time management. I’m always looking for ways to do more with less time.
• Financial skills. Numbers tell important stories in business.
• Creative thinking. It helps me solve problems in new ways.
• Emotional intelligence. It’s key to connecting with my team.
• Industry news. I need to know what’s happening in our field.
• Leadership styles. I’ve found that different situations need different approaches.

Remember, learning isn’t just about reading books. It’s about trying new things and being open to new ideas.

17. Manage conflict: Address issues head-on

Conflict is tough. But ignoring it only makes it worse.

I’ve learned to face conflicts quickly and calmly.

Here’s my steps for dealing with conflict:

1. Listen to all sides.
2. Find common ground.
3. Look for solutions, not blame.

When you handle conflict well, your team feels safer. They know you’ve got their back.

18. Build relationships: Connect with your team

Leadership isn’t just about tasks. It’s about people.

I take time to know my team as individuals.

What drives them?

What challenges them?

It helps me lead them better.

Strong inclusive relationships build strong teams. And strong teams can do amazing things.

19. Show appreciation: Say “thank you” often

Two simple words can make a huge difference: Thank you.

I make it a habit to thank my team often. For big wins and small efforts. It shows I notice and value their work.

Appreciation costs nothing but means everything. It’s the fuel that keeps a team going.

20. Stay positive: Your attitude is contagious

Your mood as a leader sets the tone for everyone else.

On tough days, I remind myself why our work matters. It lifts me up and helps me lift my team.

A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It means facing them with confidence that we can overcome.

Remember, your team looks to you for cues. When you stay positive, you help everyone else do the same.

10 Behaviors to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. In my years of leadership, I’ve made mistakes and seen others stumble too.

These 10 behaviors are traps that can trip up even the best leaders.

Remember, we’re all human. If you’ve fallen into these habits before, don’t beat yourself up. The key is to recognize them and make a change.

Let’s take a look at what to watch out for on your leadership journey.

1. Micromanaging: Trust your team to do their jobs

I’ve learned the hard way that constantly looking over people’s shoulders doesn’t work. It’s frustrating for everyone. It may be necessary for a new person but at some point you need to let them leave the nest and watch them fly.

They need space to grow and shine.

Try this instead: Set clear goals and expectations. Then, step back. Let your team figure out how to get there. You’ll be amazed at their creativity when you give them room to work.

2. Playing favorites: Treat everyone fairly

We’re all human. It’s natural to click with some people more than others. But as a leader, playing favorites is a big no-no. It kills team spirit and makes people feel left out.

Here’s what I do: I make a conscious effort to give everyone equal attention and opportunities. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Your whole team will perform better when they feel valued.

3. Avoiding tough conversations: Address problems promptly

Tough talks are, well, tough. I used to put them off too. But I learned that problems don’t go away on their own. They usually get worse.

These tough talks are usually worse in your head than they turn out to be in real life.

My advice? Face issues head-on. Be kind, but clear. Most of the time, people appreciate honest feedback. It shows you care about their growth.

4. Taking credit for others’ work: Give credit where it’s due

Nothing kills motivation faster than a leader who steals the spotlight. Your job is to make your team look good, not the other way around.

Trust me the better your team looks, the better you as a leader look.

Try this: When someone praises your team’s work, name the people who made it happen. Your team will trust you more and work harder when they know you’ve got their back.

5. Being closed-minded: Be open to new ideas

The world changes fast. If we stick to “the way we’ve always done things,” we’ll get left behind. Some of my best solutions have come from team members I almost didn’t listen to.

Challenge yourself to consider new perspectives. Ask your team for input often. You don’t have to use every idea, but hearing them out can lead to amazing breakthroughs.

6. Ignoring feedback: Listen to what others say about your leadership

It’s not easy to hear we’re not perfect but I’ve got new for you, none of us are perfect. 

Feedback is a gift. It helps us grow and become better leaders.

Here’s what works for me: I regularly ask my team how I’m doing. I listen without getting defensive. Then, I act on what I learn. It’s made me a much stronger leader.

7. Making empty promises: Follow through on your commitments

If you have kids, you understand that if you make them a promise they will never forget and constantly ask you about it. It’s no different for adults.

We’ve all had bosses who promised the moon and delivered nothing. Don’t be that person. Your word is your bond.

My rule? If I say I’ll do something, I do it. If I can’t, I explain why and make it right. This builds trust and respect with your team.

8. Losing your temper: Stay calm under pressure

Leadership can be stressful. But blowing up at your team is never okay. It creates fear, not respect.

When things get tough, take a deep breath. Step away if you need to. Come back when you’re calm and can think clearly. Your team will follow your lead.

9. Gossiping: It destroys trust and respect

Office gossip might seem harmless at the time, but it’s toxic. As a leader, you set the tone. If you gossip, your team will too.

Instead, promote open, honest communication. If there’s an issue, address it directly with the person involved. Your team will feel safer and more united.

10. Being inconsistent: Your team needs to know what to expect from you

Flip-flopping on decisions or changing rules randomly confuses everyone. It makes people unsure and anxious.

Strive for consistency in your words and actions. If things need to change, explain why clearly. When your team knows what to expect, they can focus on doing great work.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Leadership Behaviors

I’ve found that focusing on these positive behaviors while avoiding the negative ones can really transform your leadership. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about constantly working to improve.

Try picking one or two behaviors to work on each week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can grow as a leader. What behavior do you think you’ll start with?