7 Leadership Habits to Take Your Team to the Next Level
Let’s be honest—leading a team can feel a bit like herding cats some days. But mastering these 7 leadership habits to take your team to the next level will help you create a high-performing, motivated team that thrives under your leadership.
1️⃣ Listen More, Talk Less
One habit that changed the game for me was listening more and talking less. Sounds simple, right? But truly listening—not just waiting for your turn to speak—makes a world of difference. Whether it’s a team member sharing an idea or venting about their day, being present shows you value them.
As Ernest Hemingway put it:
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”
2️⃣ Let Go of Micromanagement
Another biggie? Letting go of the urge to micromanage. Trust me, I’ve been there—it’s tempting to swoop in and “fix” things. Your business is your baby. But micromanaging only stresses everyone out. When you empower your team to take ownership, they’ll surprise you in the best ways.
Think of it like passing the baton in a relay race. Your job isn’t to run the whole track; it’s to set them up for success and then cheer from the sidelines.
3️⃣ Own Your Mistakes
Now, I’m going to say something radical: it’s okay to admit when you’re wrong. Actually, scratch that—it’s essential. Owning your mistakes shows humility and builds trust. We’ve all made dodgy calls. But being honest about it? That’s leadership gold.
4️⃣ Consistency is Key
Your team shouldn’t have to guess what kind of leader they’re getting on any given day. Whether it’s delivering feedback or simply showing up on time, being consistent sets the tone for the whole team.
As Simon Sinek nailed it:
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
5️⃣ Recognising and Rewarding Your Team
Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt “thank you” or a quick “great job.” It doesn’t have to be fancy—just genuine. One of my favourite moments as a leader was seeing someone absolutely light up after a simple compliment.
Those little moments create a ripple effect, motivating your team to keep raising the bar.
6️⃣ Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Here’s one I’m constantly working on myself: staying curious and open to learning. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a never-ending journey. Read widely, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know—let’s figure it out.”
It’s not just about keeping up with industry trends; it’s about modelling a growth mindset (Motivational Intelligence) for your team.
7️⃣ Invest in Your Team’s Development
The most impactful thing you can do as a leader? Invest in your team’s growth. Whether it’s training, mentoring, or just creating space for them to develop, it’s an investment that pays off tenfold.
A thriving team reflects thriving leadership, and watching your people succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
As Ronald Reagan once said:
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. They are the one that gets people to do the greatest things.”
Why Leadership Habits Matter
Applying these 7 leadership habits to take your team to the next level will create a culture of growth, accountability, and success.
At the heart of great leadership lies a powerful mindset—one rooted in Motivational Intelligence (MQ). 🧠
It’s the ability to understand why people do what they do and use that insight to inspire, empower, and guide them towards their potential. When you approach leadership with this perspective, every challenge becomes an opportunity to unlock growth—for your team and yourself.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being flawless. It’s about showing up authentically, learning along the way, and building trust. These habits aren’t quick fixes, but they’re powerful. And when you stick with them, they’ll transform your team, your culture, and ultimately, your results.
By mastering these 7 leadership habits, you can take your team to the next level and drive real, lasting results.
So, what do you think? Which of these habits could you start practising today?
Let’s ditch the perfection myth and aim for progress instead.
Take Your Leadership to the Next Level
At The Power Within Training, we’ve designed industry-leading leadership development programmes to help you and your team unlock your full potential.
👉 Explore our Executive Diploma in Leading With Motivational Intelligence (MQ), Business Growth Academy, and Self-Led Programmes today.
James Fleming MQ
The Power Within Training – The Motivational Intelligence Company
📖 Further Reading: 3 Ways True Leaders Inspire Others To Achieve Unprecedented Success
James Fleming
The Power Within Training,
The Motivational Intelligence Company
james@tpwtd.com
