The Importance of Integrity in Leadership
Being an effective leader in the business world requires a diverse set of skills and traits. Negotiation, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are all vital qualities, but perhaps the most important of all is integrity. A leader's ability to act with integrity and lead by example sets the tone for the rest of the team, creating a culture of trust and respect.
In this interview with Anna Stella of BBSA, we'll explore her take on key leadership skills that are essential for success in the business world.
What do you think is your greatest strength as a leader & why?
One strength that I enjoy the most is strong negotiation, as I believe practical negotiation skills are crucial as they help build positive relationships.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should embody & why?
Since different companies and situations call for different types of leadership, I believe leadership to be very complex, as you need a never-ending list of traits and abilities to get a good job done. The skills needed can sometimes be conflicting; some of them can be learned, while others are innate. However, there is only one thing a leader should embody above all, integrity. In my view, integrity should be a top priority when hiring people for leadership positions, and if this were a key selection criterion, the world would definitely be a better place.
What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
A) Develop a habit for personal growth: I learn firsthand the importance of personal development to enhance the growth of the organization. I believe that improving and developing myself reflects on the organization, as team members are likely to observe you, and if they like what they see, follow in your footsteps. B) Set the vision and communicate the bigger picture: The importance of having an inspiring vision is often misunderstood and underrated in business. One of the top leaders' jobs is to clearly and regularly communicate a company's visions and goals so that people can find purpose and meaning in their daily work.
Meet Anna: Anna Stella is a two-time national award-winning marketing expert, academic researcher, and CEO of the global marketing outsourcing agency BBSA. Anna has 20+ years of experience within the B2B, B2C, and non-profit industries. Clients include Volkswagen AG, the Government, the European Union, RICS, and Rational AG, just to name a few.
Anna holds a Master’s Degree (MA) in Strategic Marketing Management from Kingston University and MBA in Marketing from Henley Business School. She is currently completing a Doctorate of Marketing in Marketing Outsourcing at Strathclyde University and is due to publish her first book in late 2023.
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