Calling all leaders! "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." ~ Jack Welch

Over the years I have concluded that there are two distinctive leadership qualities that are used. The first one is the active leader and the second is the passive leader. Both may very well be successful with the work they do each day in support of the company's success. However, the one big difference in these two leaders is that one is still primarily growing him/herself, and the other clearly understands success for him/her and the company is focusing on and developing others. 

To be a successful leader, understanding your leadership style is essential. What are your strengths, and what areas need improvement? Here is a leadership quiz that will help you learn more about your individual leadership traits. At the end of the quiz it will provide you with the major characteristics of your dominant style. Learning more about your personal leadership style will allow you to assess what qualities are helping or hindering you as a leader. 

Regardless of what leadership qualities are uncovered in the quiz, the most successful leadership style involves focusing on the development of your team. To help you with this, let's take a look at the ProSolutions Leadership Cycle. 

• Observe: The biggest impact a leader can have on their team members is to notice them. Observe how they preform their jobs and understand what makes them tick. We see all too often the great divide between leadership and the rest of the team. 
• Engage: The synergy of a good team is the understanding that everyone matters. Engage in meaningful conversations with your team members. A strong leader expresses sincere care and concern for the team both verbally and non verbally. Learn how your team works and plays ~ in and out of the workplace. 
• Encourage: Encouragement in the workplace is a great motivator. People want to feel important and sharing a verbal pat on the back for a good idea or job well done makes people feel valuable. Encouragement also reinforces the right behaviors. Not only does it inspire, it builds team loyalty, and it is a low to no cost benefit to your team that gives you maximum results. 
• Coach: Leaders exemplify the behaviors and characteristics that they encourage in their followers. If you want to become a better leader, work on coaching the qualities that you would like to see in your team. 
• Reward: A strong leader knows that offering effective recognition and rewards is one of the best ways to help their team feel appreciated and accepted. People preform better at their jobs when they are in a happy environment where they feel respected.