12 Traits Of A High Impact Leader

How To Be "Valuable, Not Available"

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Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter delivering actionable advice from my personal experiences as a people and business leader.

Today’s Insights:

  • Why being valuable, not available matters

  • Where most leaders get “being available” wrong

  • 12 Traits of highly valuable leaders

  • 3 Ways to implement “valuable” leadership TODAY!

Hey Trailblazers,

Let's face it, being the go-to person 24/7 feels good, but it's like being stuck in quicksand. The more you're available, the deeper you sink into the expectations of others, losing your own value and the respect that comes with it.

This isn't about taking a step back but rather, stepping up in ways that matter. Being a leader of value means you're not just a part of the team; you're the compass that guides it.

Truly valuable leaders focus on developing and empowering others.

A study by the Corporate Leadership Council reported that organizations with a strong coaching culture are 130% more likely to have strong business results.

This highlights the importance of making those around you better, empowering them, and fostering a culture where everyone can shine. It's crucial because this shift from being perpetually available to being invaluable creates a legacy.

You're not just remembered for answering emails at 2 AM; you're remembered for how you've transformed people and projects.

Many leaders think being always on call (contact me anytime) is the badge of a true leader.

But here’s the twist…

pulling the rock GIF by globaltv

Gif by globaltv on Giphy

It's not.

This 'always available' badge weighs you down, limiting your ability to think big and act boldly.

Leaders get stuck in the nitty-gritty, micromanaging and fixing problems that others could solve. This not only burns you out but also stunts your team's growth, as they don't get the chance to step up and solve problems on their own.

The real deal? Leaders need to focus on building more leaders, not followers who wait for directions.

12 Traits Of A High Impact Leader

  1. Enjoy being wrong 

    ↳ Sees every mistake as a new lesson learned.

  2. Models Wellbeing
    ↳ Prioritises personal wellbeing, setting a healthy standard for the team to blend work and life, fostering overall resilience and output.

  3. Enforces boundaries
    ↳ Understands the importance of saying "no" and sets clear limits to ensure focus on priorities, benefiting both self and team.

  4. Does the hard things 

    ↳ Does what 99% of the people refuse to do.
    Does what the top 1% of the people do.

  5. Builds leaders 
    ↳ Doesn’t micromanage and steal the spotlight.
    Encourages others to take charge and lead.

  6. Stands up for the voiceless 
    ↳ Speaks out for those who can't.
    Advocates for those whose voices are falling on deaf ears.

  7. Responds, doesn't react 
    ↳ Thinks before acting, and makes calm and thoughtful decisions.

  8. Discusses Ideas, not people

    ↳ Focuses on concepts and creativity, not gossip.

  9. Shows up, on time
    ↳ Values time, both theirs and others', by always being punctual.

  10. Disagrees, doesn't disrespect 
    ↳ Shares differing opinions respectfully, without belittling others.

  11. Leads their heart, doesn't follow It 
    ↳ Uses wisdom to guide their heart and finds joy in what’s good for them and those around them.

  12. Believes process > destination 
    ↳ Values the journey and growth over the final outcome. They don’t get too attached to the result, but work for the love of the work.

Ready to supercharge your leadership and see immediate results?
Here’s a simple yet powerful plan that’s all about creating IMPACT!

Action Plan - Your Fast Track To Valuable Leadership

Ready, set, lead!

  1. Step 1: Delegate One Thing Today

    • What to Do: Pick one task you'd normally do yourself and delegate it to a team member. Choose something that’ll give them a chance to grow.

    • Why It’s a Win: You get more time for big-picture stuff, and they get a new learning opportunity. It’s a double victory!

  2. Step 2: Start a Wellbeing Habit

    • What to Do: Introduce one daily habit into your workday that boosts your wellbeing, like stepping away from the desk for a 10-minute walk or meditating for 5 minutes.

    • Why It’s a Win: Showing your team that you value wellbeing encourages them to do the same. Plus, a happy leader makes for a happy team.

  3. Step 3: Give Spot-On Praise

    • What to Do: Catch someone doing something great and praise them on the spot. Make it specific and genuine.

    • Why It’s a Win: It boosts their morale instantly and shows everyone what you value in action, not just words.

What You’ll Achieve:

  • Empowered Team Members: By delegating, you're showing trust and helping your team members grow their skills.

  • A Healthier Work Culture: Prioritising wellbeing sets a positive example, leading to a more balanced and productive team.

  • A Motivated Team: Immediate and specific praise motivates not just the recipient but also inspires the whole team.

Start with these steps, and you’ll not only enhance your leadership but also create a ripple effect of positivity and growth across your team.

Remember, the journey to impactful leadership is made up of small steps.

Be that leader everyone looks up to, not because you're always there, but because you bring and add value to others.

Keep blazing the beyond busy trails, and i’ll see you next Tuesday!

Cheers, Howard

Howard Blackburn
The “Unglorify Busy” Guy
Connect with me on Linkedin

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I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple companies helping them igniting their impact and leadership both at work and at home.

Without abandoning their ambition.

Let me share my insights and help you:

  • Reclaim your time

  • Prioritise your wellbeing

  • Achieve work/life harmony

  • Improve customer centricity

  • Connect & elevate team culture

  • Develop beyond busy leadership skills

  • Build your business bench and succession planning

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