I’ve always wondered what sets some men apart as natural leaders. You know the type—those guys who just seem to have it all together, whether they’re at the office or at home.

They don’t need to shout or throw their weight around. Instead, they have this effortless way of guiding others, like they were born to do it.

As I thought about it more, I noticed they all show certain behaviors that make people want to follow them naturally. These men lead by example, they truly listen, and they show empathy in a way that makes you feel seen and heard.

It got me thinking—what if we could all adopt a little bit of that magic? So, I decided to dive into the behaviors that set these natural leaders apart, hoping to uncover a few gems that we can all learn from.

1) They lead by example

Natural leaders, those guys who seem to effortlessly inspire others, have one key thing in common. They lead not by dictating, but by demonstrating.

They understand that actions speak louder than words. Instead of simply telling people what to do, they get their hands dirty and show how it’s done.

Think about your favorite teacher or supervisor. I bet they weren’t the ones who just barked orders from the back of the room. They were probably right there with you, showing you the ropes and guiding you through the process.

This behavior is a powerful way of influencing others without being forceful. It encourages respect and fosters a positive and productive environment.

Leadership is less about commanding and more about inspiring, and nothing inspires more than a leader willing to step up and set the example.

2) They listen before they speak

In my experience, the most effective leaders are those who truly listen.

I once had a boss named Paulo, a natural leader if ever there was one. Paulo wasn’t your typical shouty, domineering type. He didn’t feel the need to fill every moment with his own voice.

Instead, he made a point of listening – actively, attentively listening – to everyone in the team. Whether it was a casual conversation at the water cooler or a serious strategy meeting, Paulo would always let others speak first.

He understood that every person brings unique insights and perspectives to the table. By listening, he was able to gain a more complete understanding of situations and make better decisions.

And you know what? That kind of respect breeds loyalty. When people feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to follow you anywhere. I know I would’ve followed Paulo anywhere.

3) They embrace failure as a learning opportunity

Natural leaders don’t shy away from failure. They actually see it as a stepping stone towards success.

Did you know that Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, failed thousands of times before he succeeded? But instead of seeing these as failures, he saw them as steps on the path to success. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

This attitude towards failure is common among natural leaders. They see every stumble not as a setback but as an opportunity to learn and grow. They don’t let fear of failure hold them back. Instead, they use it as motivation to keep pushing forward.

With this approach, leaders can inspire their teams and families to take risks and learn from their mistakes, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and fearless innovation.

4) They show empathy and understanding

Natural leaders don’t just command respect, they give it. They understand that every individual is different, with their unique set of experiences and perspectives.

These leaders don’t dismiss or belittle these differences. Rather, they embrace them and show genuine understanding and empathy. They take the time to walk in the shoes of others, to see the world from their point of view.

This behavior creates a bond of trust and respect between the leader and their followers. It shows that the leader values them as individuals and cares about their feelings and well-being.

By showing empathy and understanding, natural leaders build strong, committed teams both at work and at home.

5) They practice clear communication

According to a study by Dr. Anchal Luthra, communication is vital in any relationship, but in leadership, it’s absolutely crucial. Natural leaders recognize this and strive for clarity in all their interactions.

They don’t leave room for misunderstandings or assumptions. They articulate their expectations, their vision, and their feedback clearly and constructively.

This behavior eliminates confusion and fosters a sense of unity and direction. Everyone knows what’s expected of them, where they’re going and why they’re going there.

And it’s not just about speaking clearly – it’s also about being open and approachable. Natural leaders encourage dialogue and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to voice their ideas or concerns.

6) They show appreciation and give credit where it’s due

It’s a simple act, but one that can make a world of difference. Natural leaders never miss an opportunity to express their gratitude.

They recognize the hard work and dedication of their team members or family, and they don’t hesitate to show their appreciation. It could be as simple as saying “thank you” or as grand as a celebration party – what matters is the intent behind it.

They know it’s important to give credit where it’s deserved. They don’t hog the limelight. Instead, they highlight the contributions of others and share their success.

This behavior not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. When people feel valued and recognized, they are motivated to perform even better.

7) They’re committed to self-improvement

Natural leaders are always looking for ways to better themselves. They’re not afraid to admit that they don’t know everything and they’re open to learning new things.

I remember a time when I was struggling to balance my work and personal life. It seemed like there were never enough hours in the day and I was constantly feeling overwhelmed. Then I read a book about time management and it completely changed my perspective.

I realized that I needed to prioritize my tasks, delegate where possible, and make time for rest and relaxation. The book didn’t give me more hours in the day, but it taught me how to use the hours I had more effectively.

This is just one example of how natural leaders are committed to self-improvement. They seek out knowledge and experiences that will help them grow as individuals and as leaders.

By consistently striving to improve, these leaders not only better themselves but also set an example for others to follow.

8) They exude positivity and enthusiasm

Some people just seem to light up a room when they walk in. That’s the kind of energy natural leaders bring to the table.

These men don’t let challenges or setbacks get them down. Instead, they approach every situation with a positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm.

Positivity breeds positivity, and before you know it, the entire team or family is motivated and excited to tackle whatever comes their way.

9) They empower others

At the core of every natural leader is the deep-seated desire to lift others up. They don’t hoard power or knowledge. Instead, they empower those around them.

These leaders invest time and effort in mentoring and coaching. They share their expertise and provide opportunities for others to grow and excel. They create an environment where everyone feels confident to take initiative and make decisions.

This not only builds a strong, capable team or family, but also cultivates future leaders. It’s the ultimate testament of a natural leader – the ability to inspire leadership in others.

Final thoughts: You can learn leadership

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that leadership is shown in how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and the small choices you make every day.

I used to think leaders were born, not made, but the more I reflect on it, the more I see that it’s about the behaviors they choose to embrace.

So, maybe we won’t all be born leaders, but we can certainly become better ones. Give it a try by listening more, showing empathy, and leading by example—whether at work, with family, or just in how we show up in life.

If you follow these simple principles, you will find immense growth along the way. And who knows? Maybe by adopting a few of these behaviors, we’ll find ourselves stepping into leadership roles we never expected.