Good leaders, like professional athletes, make everything they do look easy. But in reality, many of them have to work hard to manage or compensate for potentially career-limiting traits. What makes the best stand out from the rest? How can you lead effectively like them?

1. Become self-aware

Think of yourself as the conductor of an orchestra—focused on helping every person on your team perform at their best. To lead effectively in this work, you need to understand your own strengths as well as your weaknesses and leadership gaps. Those who can control their own thoughts and emotions, have control over their behaviours and results. Being able to control yourself allows you to achieve great things, because the only thing holding you back is you.

2. Become a coach

The strongest and most effective leaders know they’re only as good as the teams around them, so they put tremendous emphasis on coaching and supporting their people, helping them grow. You are only as strong as your weakest link. Make sure that your weakest link is getting the support, because as you grow them, you grow the resilience within your team.

3. Embrace tough conversations

It’s always nice when you can act as a cheerleader for your organisation, but the more important task is to help your team navigate the uncertain times. Business is messy, leadership isn’t easy, and the way ahead may be far from clear. Communicate with your team about the issues facing your organisation and industry—things like risks, variables, volatile markets. When you do, you not only build trust but also quash speculation and rumour mills.

4. It’s okay to ask for help

Most leaders consider themselves highly capable, which makes it even harder when they need to ask for support. But requesting help from others will always be one of the best ways to become a better leader. If you are feeling stuck, seek out a mentor or hire a coach.

5. Be the example

When you act as a model of integrity and hard work—when you talk the talk and walk the walk—people will admire your leadership and work to emulate your behaviour. If you want to become a better leader, work on modelling the qualities you’d like to see in your team and in others.

Being a leader isn’t easy, but it is the responsibility you have chosen to help, empower and inspire the people around you. Use these 5 principles to be the best leader you can be and the leader your team deserves.