Michael Kennedy

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Being a great leader doesn’t necessarily mean being the loudest one in the room. When many people think of great leaders, they may think about the way they were able to command a room or take decisive action amid chaos or struggle. And while these traits are certainly worth highlighting, there are also other, more underrated qualities that can make leaders truly great.  Here, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council draw on their own experiences as business leaders to spotlight nine qualities they believe are vital to becoming an effective, efficient and well-respected leader. Whether you’re currently leading a team or are just looking to grow as a professional, consider their advice for how to cultivate some of these key leadership qualities.

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In a world where the term "luxury" is slapped onto every hotel above $200 per night, how can meaningful luxury stand out?

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Empathetic hospitality can help business leaders encourage their teams to build customers for life. 

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Introverts bring a unique set of skills to the table that other leaders may not possess. When frequent networking, public speaking and an outgoing personality are so often praised as necessary for effective leadership, it can be difficult for introverts to see themselves running a business. But extroverts aren’t the only ones who have great ideas to share with the world, and it’s just as important for introverts to have their voices heard in the business space. By honoring their strengths — like listening and empathy — introverts can not only be effective leaders but great ones as well. Below, the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council offer their best tips to introverts looking to lead a successful business in the culture space and explain why they can do it just as well as anyone else can.

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Nailing down your niche may require looking inward first. In order for a brand to succeed, it has to be more than a clever idea. A successful brand must meet customer needs, separate itself from the competition and last beyond a passing trend. All of these characteristics combined contribute to a brand’s niche — or a comfortable place in the market. Without this well-defined niche, a brand can struggle to maintain its customers’ interest and, as a result, its rising sales. Whether you’re just thinking about starting a business or you’re trying to get your current endeavor off the ground, consider the following advice for those struggling to find their brand’s place in the market. Here, seven business leaders from Rolling Stone Culture Council offer their best tips for what uncertain entrepreneurs can do to really nail down their niche.

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With so much noise on social media, a strong and well-planned strategy is the key to standing out. Social media has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers and followers. Nowadays, it's not just about selling products or services, but also about building relationships and establishing trust with your audience. This is where an effective social media plan comes in. By implementing the right strategies, businesses can engage with their customers and followers on a deeper level, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and advocacy. Below, 10 members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the different social media strategies any business can use to build better relationships with their customers and why they are so effective at doing so.