Traits of great leaders, according to the former VP of HR at Microsoft

Summary

The article discusses the traits of great leaders according to Kathleen Hogan, the former Vice President of Human Resources at Microsoft. Hogan believes that great leaders possess certain qualities that set them apart and contribute to their success. These qualities include self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders:

1. Self-awareness: Great leaders are self-aware and understand their strengths and weaknesses. They are open to feedback and actively seek opportunities for self-improvement. HR leaders should encourage self-reflection and provide resources for leadership development.

2. Empathy: Hogan emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership. Great leaders are able to understand and connect with the emotions and experiences of their team members. HR leaders should promote a culture of empathy and provide training on emotional intelligence.

3. Inspiration and motivation: Great leaders have the ability to inspire and motivate others. They have a clear vision and are able to communicate it effectively to their team. HR leaders should support leaders in developing their communication skills and provide opportunities for them to share their vision with their teams.

4. Continuous learning: Hogan highlights the importance of continuous learning in leadership. Great leaders are curious and always seeking new knowledge and perspectives. HR leaders should foster a learning culture within the organization and provide resources for ongoing professional development.

5. Authenticity: Great leaders are authentic and true to themselves. They are transparent and genuine in their interactions with others. HR leaders should encourage authenticity in leadership and create a safe environment where leaders can be their true selves.

6. Resilience: Hogan believes that great leaders are resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks. They view failures as learning opportunities and are able to adapt to change. HR leaders should support leaders in developing resilience and provide resources for stress management and mental health support.

In conclusion, the traits discussed by Hogan can serve as a guide for HR leaders in identifying and developing great leaders within their organizations. By focusing on self-awareness, empathy, inspiration, continuous learning, authenticity, and resilience, HR leaders can cultivate a strong leadership pipeline and drive organizational success.