Communication
Effective leaders ask the right questions to get the right answers. Lack of effective communication skills is one of the main reasons for disengagement. Effective leaders understand that open and honest communication is the lifeblood of trust. They understand that people want to be understood. This takes time, patience, and empathy. Great leaders take the time to get to know their team members. It all starts with open and honest communication.

Appreciation
Lack of appreciation is the number one reason associates become disengaged. People want to feel valued, secure, and appreciated.

How To Improve Loyalty – Make 5 deposits of appreciation before you earn the right to one withdrawal of criticism.
Practice R.A.R.E. – Random Acts of Recognition Everyday

Respect
The best leaders treat everyone – from entry level to executive level – with dignity and respect. They understand that to earn a PhD in leadership you must Preserve Human Dignity. Humility is the sign of an authentic leader and authentic, humble people always treat others with dignity and respect. They understand that big egos Edge Greatness Out.

Accountability
Great leaders always expect the best from their followers and never accept anything other than the best. It takes courage to expect excellence from everyone and the best leaders never tolerate mediocrity. Lack of personal accountability is one of the major problems in today’s society and effective leaders understand that one of life’s heaviest burdens is great potential. They won’t let their team members waste the team’s potential.

Trust
Effective leaders always do the right thing according to a foundation of ethical and moral standards and know that trust, once lost, is almost impossible to regain. They do what they say they will do, when they said they would do it, and how they said they would do it. They are always consistent and dependable.

Now you know how to become a Five Carat Leader…

Communication
Appreciation
Respect
Accountability
Trust

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.