Leadership Lessons from Little-Known Research Findings

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When it comes to leadership, there are plenty of well-known theories and models that are often discussed and debated. However, there is also a wealth of lesser-known research findings that can offer valuable insights into what makes a great leader. Here are a few examples:

1. Humble leaders are more effective: While humility may not be the first trait that comes to mind when you think of a strong leader, research has shown that humble leaders are actually more effective. A study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that humble leaders were more likely to foster a positive work environment and better team performance.
2. Leaders who express gratitude are more trustworthy: Expressing gratitude is not just a polite thing to do — it can also make you a more effective leader. Research from the University of Oxford has shown that when leaders express gratitude to their followers, it increases the followers’ perception of the leader’s trustworthiness and enhances their willingness to cooperate.
3. The power of positive feedback: It’s easy to focus on what people are doing wrong, but research has shown that positive feedback can be much more powerful than negative feedback. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that when leaders gave positive feedback, it led to increased engagement…