10 Characteristics of the Efficient Leader

No one thing makes a leader a great leader. Efficiency as a leader is only one quality that adds to a combination of others. It would be impossible to find an exhaustive list of all the characteristics of an efficient leader. From my experience, these ten qualities are highly indicative of effective and efficient leaders. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive or ranked in any particular order. You may select one or two to begin and dive deep into how you can master them and positively impact your development for your leadership journey.

1. Timely

Being timely is all about managing time (seems obvious) and activities. A timely leader has a realistic view of activities and their duration. They stay punctual and respect the schedules of others as well. Time management certainly plays a role, but being timely is about the outcomes of managing one’s time versus a component thereof. You can expect this type of leader to know what to do or say when it has the most impact.

2. Prepared

An efficient leader has a plan. They know what they need to do and when they need to do it. This not only keeps them on time (see above) but planning affords them the ability to prioritize and know what is required for the specific situation they are in. You know they are prepared because they can speak to the task at hand and may already have recommended solutions ready for discussion.

3. Knowledgeable

Being prepared also requires knowing the facts, context, and factors that are impacting or inflating a situation. Knowledge is a valuable resource for proper decision-making and addressing changing conditions. The efficient leader will have multiple sources of information to ensure they can see from all points of view and have alternative thought processes available as circumstances evolve. The more knowledge, the more options available.

4. Organized

Knowledge is only as valuable as it is available and visible. Anyone can collect a myriad of facts. The efficient leader will have a process for managing knowledge when it will have the most value. Not knowing where things are may be the biggest time a leader will face. A process for managing your space, data, and future incoming information is a top priority for the efficient leader.

5. Connected

No one will know everything, nor should they try. Being knowledgeable (see above) also means knowing whom to connect with for which situations or information. Staying connected is multi-directional. Having a variety of sources for incoming information is critical to maintaining a balanced perspective. Knowing whom to contact is equally important to get the right partnerships for current needs. Beyond that, knowing the best people for delegation and support also allows a leader to leverage their connectedness to be more efficient.

6. Knows Thy Self

Self-awareness. Every efficient leader is well-versed in their strengths, opportunities, and passions. They are also honest with themselves to ensure they stay within their bounds of any area, especially in places that may be less familiar. This awareness, combined with being connected (see above), allows them to ensure they take on what will utilize their skills best and when to pass something else to someone better suited for the assignment.

7. Recognizes Others

The best way to keep a network of people growing as well as engaged is to recognize their contributions and successes. Above I discussed the importance of knowledge gathering and staying connected to others. If you are not providing praise for the valuable information or support you are receiving from them, those connections will evaporate and create gaps in critical areas. Investing in acknowledgment and recognition is a highly efficient and effective use of any leader’s time.

8. Anticipates barriers

If we all had a crystal ball and could see the future, we would all be better off and more efficient. While not having a certain view into the future, the best leaders can begin to anticipate potential outcomes or reactions. Combining all the elements from above begins to paint a picture of ‘what might be.’ The efficient leader also asks ‘what if’ frequently to gain perspective on the potential of any circumstances. Determining where or when a roadblock may appear can allow for better planning or potential navigation around the challenges ahead.

9. Prioritizes constantly

As the day changes, so do the potential circumstances and needs. Continually assessing and prioritizing is a vital feature of an efficient leader. They will always be looking at whether what they are doing right now, or next will be the most valuable action they or their team can take. They master the balancing act between urgent and important to ensure that the right things are happening at the right time.

10. Routinely evaluates

Like prioritization, the efficient leader looks for how things work, continually assessing and evaluating situations to inform future outcomes as well as the need for prioritization. They regularly ask ‘what’s working’ and ‘what’s not working’ to understand where changes are needed or where they can leverage success further. Time is a crucial resource. You never want to find yourself a long way down the wrong path. Regular evaluation, through ongoing observation, ensures you never find yourself in a dark alley.

These are just some ways the best leaders distinguish themselves as efficient leaders. They know the best resources to engage and when and where to maximize the benefits for everyone.

What characteristics were missed? What things are you doing that make you more efficient?

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