The Language of Leadership: 6 Essential Leadership Traits

Key styles and messaging for effective leadership

Three in four employees see effective communication as the number one leadership attribute. Yet, less than one in three employees feel like their leaders do it effectively.

Great leaders know that the messages they send drive motivation and engagement. They are consistent and purposeful in their communication to lead their teams to success. Here are some essential pillars of good leadership:

1. Transparency

Hiding behind a veil of leadership is no longer an option. Millennial and Gen Z employees demand transparency from management. And as their numbers in the workforce increase, so will their intolerance for anything but the truth. Nevertheless, the American Psychological Association reports that one in three employees don’t think their boss is always honest with them.

Transparent communication benefits both staff and management. Laying it on the table builds trust in leadership, allows the team to participate in finding a solution, and shows that you value them enough to tell the truth.

2. Decisiveness

Indecisive leadership can paralyze an organization. It also leads to confusing communication and inefficient teams. Collaboration and teamwork are essential, but leaders also have to step up and tell the group where to focus their efforts.

This includes decisively saying yes and no to certain things to give your team the best chance of success. The phrase, “here’s the plan” is one that leaders should be saying regularly.

3. Accessibility

Being an accessible leader isn't only about having an open-door policy; it means you are available to your employees physically and mentally. You are just as willing to listen and receive feedback as you are to give it. You set aside time to coach employees on critical decisions and professional development paths. And you don't create a barrier between yourself and the team simply because of your title or years on the job.

4. Trust and reliability

There is a striking difference between companies with high levels of trust in leadership and those without it. According to the Harvard Business Research journal, people at high-trust companies report: 74% less stress, 106% more energy at work, 50% higher productivity, 13% fewer sick days, 76% more engagement, 29% more satisfaction with their lives, and 40% less burnout.

As a leader, you build trust over time by being transparent, reliable, and accessible—as well as by trusting your team. Employees who feel that leaders depend on them are most likely to be engaged and perform at a higher level.

5. Motivating

Managers are usually what drive employee engagement and motivation, but 63% of Millennials feel their employers are not fully developing their leadership skills. You have a team full of potential—use it! As a leader, you are also a coach, cheerleader, and advisor.

Figure out how your team likes to be motivated. Some function well on a rewards-based system, while others prefer a simple show of recognition and appreciation. This not only applies to wins but failures as well. “We can do better” is another phrase to have in your toolbox. Hold your team accountable when they stumble, but motivate them to embrace missteps and improve.

6. Celebratory

Great leaders openly recognize the wins, small and big. 79% of employees quit due to lack of appreciation, so acknowledge accomplishments and celebrate successes whenever possible.

Great leaders know that the secrets to their success are consistent behavior and effective communication. Embracing these pillars—and making them a habit—shows strength, builds trust, and creates an engaged and motivated team that’s poised for success.

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