4 Subtle Traits of World-Class Leaders 🚀

Learnings from a legendary NFL coach, why you should give unexpected praise, the right way to delegate, along with roles at Pinterest, Nomad Health, Spacecadet Ventures, and more!

What's up, Next Gen Fam!

In past weeks, we've covered the foundational traits of leadership, like being confident and self-aware. This week, we're sharing lesser-known traits that'll take your leadership to another level.

Let's dive in!

TIPS

#1: Give unexpected praise. 

It's important for leaders to praise their team. NFL coach Bill Walsh once said that “few things offer greater returns than praise." Note: When people are recognized, it's usually after a job well done. But if you commend someone earlier in the process, they’ll be caught off-guard and even more appreciative. So, give unexpected praise when you can. Praise feels best when they least expect it! 

#2: Your little actions are everything. 

An easy way to thrive as a leader is to act how you want your team members to act. Keep in mind that your most subtle behaviors can make a big difference. For example: If you receive tough news in the middle of a team meeting but handle it with poise — and even manage a smile — that single moment may inspire a powerful culture of confidence. 

#3: Assign with questions, not statements. 

When you assign tasks to a team member, pay attention to your wording. If your startup needs customer feedback, don't just say, "We need you to collect feedback." Instead, say, "Given you work closely with our customers, it might make sense for you to lead this feedback process. Does that sound good?" This question will let your team member opt-in to the task and feel more empowered!

#4: Ask: "What do you think?"

If you’re the leader, team members will usually come to you with lots of questions. Some of their questions might be warranted, though others could probably be figured out without your help. But if you give them the answer every time, they might start coming to you whenever anything comes up and stop thinking for themselves. So, if you get a question they could figure out on their own, try responding with “what do you think?”

QUESTION FOR YOU

What are the little things you do that might inspire others in a positive way? 

OPPORTUNITIES

  • 🖌️ Pinterest, the popular image-sharing service, is hiring a Labs Research Intern.

  • ✨ Spacecadet Ventures, an early-stage VC firm focused on future-shaping technologies, is looking for a Chief of Staff.

  • 💰 College Entrepreneurs' Organization, a leading community for young innovators, is providing students with the opportunity to win up to $20k in equity-free funding via the AWS University Startup Competition.

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