20 things highly effective leaders do every day

There’s a world of difference between being just a boss and being a leader.

It’s more than just a title—it’s a set of daily actions and attitudes that transform an individual into an effective leader.

But what makes an effective leader stand out?

Let’s discover 20 things highly effective leaders do every day that solidify their impact and effectiveness.

You might be surprised; some are far from grand gestures but rather subtle, everyday actions that speak volumes about their leadership.

1) They start the day early

Highly effective leaders often kickstart their day before everyone else.

This ‘me’ time in the early morning gives them a chance to plan their day, reflect on their goals, and be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

As Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote goes, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

2) They prioritize tasks

Effective leaders are adept at task management. They understand the importance of prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.

They use tools and strategies like the Eisenhower Box to categorize tasks such as:

• Urgent and important
• Important but not urgent
• Urgent but not important
• Neither urgent nor important

This helps them stay focused and productive throughout the day.

3) They communicate clearly and regularly

Clear and consistent communication is the hallmark of effective leadership. Leaders know that communication is not just about speaking; it’s also about listening.

They ensure that their team understands their goals and expectations.

They also foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback.

By doing so, they keep everyone on the same page, ensuring smooth workflow and fostering a culture of openness.

4) They take care of their health

Highly effective leaders understand that good health is the foundation of sustained productivity and leadership.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are non-negotiables for them.

They don’t view these activities as distractions from work, but rather as critical components that fuel their ability to lead effectively.

5) They continue to learn

Whether it’s through reading, attending seminars, or engaging in thoughtful conversations, successful leaders commit to lifelong learning.

They understand that in a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is the only way to stay ahead.

This open-mindedness helps them make informed decisions and fosters innovation within their teams.

6) They delegate wisely

Effective leaders know they can’t—and shouldn’t—do everything themselves.

They delegate tasks to team members not just to lighten their own load, but to develop their team’s skills and build trust.

They match tasks with individuals’ strengths, creating a sense of ownership and boosting morale and productivity.

7) They practice gratitude

Despite their busy schedules, effective leaders make time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their team.

This could be through a simple ‘thank you’ note, a public recognition, or a small token of appreciation.

This attitude of gratitude not only boosts team morale but also reinforces a positive and collaborative work culture.

8) They maintain a positive attitude

Highly effective leaders recognize that their attitudes can set the tone for the entire team.

They maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with setbacks or challenges.

Their optimism is infectious and can help keep team morale high, fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

9) They encourage creativity and innovation

Leaders know that the best ideas often come from those in the trenches.

They foster a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, however out-of-the-box they may be.

This creative environment is often the catalyst for innovation and growth within an organization.

10) They have a clear vision and share it

Successful leaders have a clear vision of where they want their team or organization to go.

More importantly, they effectively communicate this vision to their team, inspiring them to work collectively towards achieving it.

Having a shared goal cultivates a sense of purpose and unity within the team.

11) They take time to reflect

Reflection is a powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal. It allows them to assess their actions, learn from their mistakes, and make better decisions in the future.

Whether it’s a daily reflection or a periodic review, effective leaders take time to introspect and grow from their experiences.

12) They lead by example

As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words”. Great leaders are conscious of this.

They embody the values they want to instill in their team, and their actions reflect the standards they’ve set.

Whether it’s maintaining work ethics, respecting deadlines, or handling stress constructively, they walk the talk.

Their leadership style is less about directing and more about inspiring their team through their actions.

This quality not only earns them respect but also encourages their team to uphold the same values.

13) They embrace change

In a world that’s constantly evolving, effective leaders don’t shy away from change; instead, they embrace it.

They are quick to adapt, and more importantly, they help their team navigate through these changes.

They see change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Whether it’s a shift in market trends, a new technological advancement, or a change in company policies, effective leaders are always ready to maneuver their teams in the right direction.

14) They promote a work-life balance

Work is important, but so is life outside of work. Highly effective leaders understand this balance.

They ensure that their team is not overburdened with work and has enough time for personal growth and relaxation.

They recognize the signs of burnout and are proactive in addressing them.

By promoting a healthy work-life balance, they enhance their team’s overall well-being, which ultimately improves productivity and job satisfaction.

15) They invest in their team

Investing in a team goes beyond just providing them with resources and tools to do their jobs.

Effective leaders invest in their team’s personal and professional growth.

They provide opportunities for learning and development, offer constructive feedback, and nurture talent.

They understand that the success of a team is a reflection of their leadership, and thus, investing in their team’s growth is investing in their own success.

16) They encourage open communication

Open communication forms the backbone of any successful team, and effective leaders actively promote it.

They create a safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their views, sharing concerns, and offering suggestions.

They listen actively and value input from everyone, regardless of their role or seniority.

This practice not only promotes transparency but also helps in identifying and solving problems quickly.

17) They celebrate achievements

Highly effective leaders understand the importance of celebrating successes, both big and small.

They acknowledge their team’s accomplishments and make it a point to celebrate them.

This could range from achieving a significant milestone, completing a challenging project, or simply recognizing an individual’s hard work.

These celebrations boost team morale, increase motivation, and reinforce a positive work culture.

18) They build trust

Building trust is crucial for any leader, and it’s something that highly effective leaders excel at.

They earn their team’s trust by being transparent, keeping their promises, and demonstrating reliability.

They treat everyone with respect and fairness, and they’re not afraid to show vulnerability.

This trust forms the foundation of a strong team, promoting collaboration and fostering a sense of security and belonging among team members.

19) They encourage autonomy and empowerment

Effective leaders understand the importance of empowering their team members.

They provide them with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance, and then trust them to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

By delegating responsibility and encouraging autonomy, leaders not only build confidence within their team but also create an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.

20) They show gratitude and appreciation

A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making someone feel valued and appreciated. Highly effective leaders understand the power of expressing gratitude.

They regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their team members.

Whether it’s a handwritten note, a public recognition, or a genuine word of thanks, leaders take the time to show their appreciation.

This small act of gratitude fosters a positive and supportive work environment, boosting team morale and loyalty.

Final words

As we conclude this exploration of the 20 daily habits of highly effective leaders, remember that leadership is not solely about a title or position.

It’s about the consistent actions and attitudes we embody each day.

Whether it’s starting the day early, embracing change, or showing gratitude, these habits contribute to creating a positive and empowering work environment.

So, whether you’re already a leader or aspiring to become one, take these habits to heart and let them guide your journey.

By adopting these practices, you can inspire and influence others, drive meaningful change, and become the kind of leader that others admire and respect.