5 Leadership habits that inspire teams to succeed

It’s no secret—many people step into leadership roles because they’re technically brilliant at what they do, which is great! But leadership isn’t just about knowledge or expertise. It’s about how you bring out the best in others.

When we don’t support leadership skills and behaviours, we risk setting up those who excelled in their previous role to struggle in the one they’re now expected and required to do.

Leadership skills are developed over time through the right mindset, self-awareness, and consistent habits. It takes self-awareness, time and commitment.

So, what do high-impact leaders actually do differently? Here are five habits that help inspire teams and take them to the next level – habits we help build in our leadership development programmes:

Active listening and empathetic communication:

We’ve all been in conversations where someone is just waiting for their turn to talk, and not really listening. Usually, those people just jump right in and talk over you.

In leadership, that doesn’t work. Active listening is key. It’s more than smiling and nodding along in meetings. It’s about genuinely tuning into your team’s perspectives, concerns, and ideas, and showing that what they say and feel matters.

For example, if a team member raises a concern about a new process being unclear, don’t brush it off. Ask them to walk you through what’s not working and what might make things better. Often, they’ll suggest a simple solution that hasn’t been considered—saving time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

Leaders who listen well build trust, reduce friction, and create an environment where people feel safe to speak up.

Empowering team members:

Imagine being asked to solve a puzzle then being told exactly where every piece goes. By the time you finish, it doesn’t feel like your achievement at all – how frustrating and disempowering would that be!

Leaders who delegate effectively and give their team autonomy show trust, boosts confidence and creates space for initiative. Leaders set the destination and trust their team to find the best way to get there.

A good habit to start with is, asking: “What do you think the best way forward is?”, rather than jumping in with solutions. By taking this approach, you’ll enable your team to build their problem-solving skills, while hearing ideas that you wouldn’t have come up with alone.

Empowered teams don’t wait to be told what to do—they take ownership and move the business forward!

Building a culture of trust:

It’s important to remember that trust isn’t a one-time achievement, it’s built in the small, everyday moments within your workplace. For instance, being curious when things don’t go to plan. Don’t apportion blame but recognise the effort that went into a piece of work. Follow through on what you promised and do it consistently and reliably.

Trust in leadership is like building a bridge. Each act of honesty and support strengthens the structure. A strong bridge enables people to move forward with confidence, but if the bridge is fragile, people are hesitant and resistant.

When your team trust you, they’ll push harder, speak up sooner, and support each other better. Be a bridge-builder!

Promoting continuous learning and development:

People are most motivated when they see themselves growing, and great leaders prioritise continuous learning to keep their teams relevant in a constantly changing world. They don’t wait for annual reviews to discuss growth; they incorporate opportunities for education and development into everyday work.

For instance, if a team member expresses interest in managing people, invite them to help onboard a new hire. This small but meaningful step supports their growth, while taking their professional interests into account. By prioritising learning, leaders don’t just develop their teams—they ensure the team remains capable and ready for future challenges.

Leading by example (always):

If you want a team that communicates openly, takes responsibility, supports each other, and works with pride and efficiency, then show them how it’s done.

As a leader, your actions and your language set the standard. If you call for openness but shut down feedback, your team will learn to stay silent. Leadership is about modelling the behaviours, values, and attitudes you want to see, and being willing to go first. Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about being accountable, consistent, and human. Great leaders show what progress looks like by handling mistakes with grace and curiosity, staying

focused even when things don’t go as planned, and celebrating both small and big wins along the way. Ultimately, their actions set the tone for the entire team.

At  Hedfan, our leadership training programmes are designed to bridge the gap between technical ability and effective people leadership. Whether you’re developing new managers or investing in senior leadership, our highly interactive, tailored programmes align with your organisation’s values, challenges, and business needs, ensuring growth in leadership potential at all levels.

From supporting new managers to guiding senior leadership, we help build the foundations for a culture of personal growth and high business performance.

If you’re ready to unlock the leadership potential within your organisation, we’re here to help – contact us today!