Leo Career, Money & Success Traits

Leo's Career Mantra: "Just watch me."

Leo's greatest career strength: Passion. Leos bring fiery intensity to everything they do, including work, and when they believe in what they're doing, there's no stopping them.

Leo's greatest career challenge: Teamwork. Lions like to do things themselves, and they have a certain way of getting things done. Letting others take the reins can be tough.

Leo's Work Style

When a Leo loves work, there's no stopping him or her. Passionate and idealistic, Leos aren't driven by a paycheck (although they do love the luxuries money can buy). But a Leo who's only going through the motions at work is not a happy Lion. This sign can and will throw themselves into a job, and it's not uncommon for a Leo to work around the clock.

A perfectionist, Leo bristles at team members who seem to coast. This natural leader inspires others, but may not always be the easiest co-worker. That's because Leos are so dedicated to their own vision that it may be hard for them to appreciate input and ideas from others. However, Leo is amazing at motivating others and at big-picture thinking, relying on other signs to do more detail-oriented steps.

Leos may change jobs several times in their careers. They love the learning curve of a new job, meeting and excelling at its challenges, and then moving on to an industry where they feel their talents will be of more use. As a visionary, Leo is good at making strategic leaps and is a natural entrepreneur.

Leo's Dream Careers

Leos are natural performers, and they need to use these skills in the workplace in order to be happy and fulfilled. They make great leaders as well, whether it's a small team or the whole corporation. Whatever the case, Leos needs to feel seen and heard on the job. The Lion would excel at any of these careers:

Entrepreneur: Leos have no problem working independently (as long as they can take time off to socialize). They also like having their fingers in all aspects of the business. Lions love the hard work—and reward—of watching their idea grow from the ground up, blossom, and bear fruit.

Director: Whether as a film director or ad agency art director, visual Leo "sees" things differently than other signs. Lions love taking a direction role to watch their very specific vision take shape.

Teacher: Not only are Leos fiercely intelligent, they're also deeply passionate and love handing their wisdom down to the next generation. Leo excels at the college level, and loves mentoring the best and the brightest.

Tech Developer: Although not always detail-oriented, Leo brings creativity to the tech space, and excels at coming up with creative and out-of-the-box solutions. They also excel at recognizing where a new tech product can fit in the consumer market.

CEO: In-charge Leo basks in the spotlight, and is especially adept at making others want to work hard for him or her. Leo is also brave when it comes to making big changes, and isn't afraid to make bold moves that may intimidate others in the industry.

Leo and Money

Leos work hard for the money, and they want you to know it. Leo loves luxury, whether it's five-star hotels or designer labels, and isn't shy about splashing out cash for quality. But Leo isn't foolish. Although this sign appreciates spending money, they know how to think long-term, and there's a strategy behind their spending decisions. Leo's motto is "You can't take it with you," and Lions will crunch the numbers to live in the best style they can afford—without going into debt.

If You Work for a Leo Boss

While Leos seem strong on the surface, they also make decisions based on emotion, and their emotions are key allies that drive their business decisions. Knowing this can help you navigate working for a Leo boss. They will have bad days, and it's key to learn their cues. For example, you should recognize the best (and worst) times to drop in on them with an idea, question, or issue.

Leo respects hard workers, and may be tough on you—but it's only to make you stronger. Lions take things personally and want you to like them. And if you don't like them, or if you undercut them, they will take it out on you. Leo loves the spotlight and appreciates genuine compliments. Letting your Leo boss know how much you admire him or her goes a long way toward winning major points.

Here are a few tips and tricks for an excellent working relationship with a Leo boss:

Show your vitality. Intense and passionate, a Leo wants to see your passion as well, both at work and in your personal life. Talking about your love of rock climbing on the weekend will impress them far more than telling them how you spent all weekend on the couch.

Own your mistakes. If you screw up, expect your Leo boss to get angry. But instead of cowering in your cube, apologize, and move on. While Leos might express emotion, they don't want to see you doing the same—especially if it was your own problem.

Honor boundaries. A Leo boss may seem brusque, but he or she has a heart of gold. Even so, Leos in professional situations are aware of the line between "colleague" and "friend." Trying to cross that line too quickly may result in prickly behavior.

Pay attention. Leo bosses like when their coworkers notice and follow the behavior they're modeling. Does your boss come in early Does he or she favor certain language and procedures Do the same, and you'll be rewarded.

Pull your weight. A Leo boss won't do your work for you. Want a promotion First you have to ask for it, and then you have to prove that you've earned it.

What Success Means to a Leo

Leos want to be the best, and they want everyone to know that they're the best. For a Leo, a job well done is a job well complimented. Lions love recognition, and even verbal compliments will motivate them. They love innovating because they get a thrill at being the first to do something. Want to get something done Say that it can't get done, and then watch Leo get to work and prove you wrong.

Awakening the Inner Leo Lion

All Leos have a Lion inside them. But when they're not living up to their Leo potential—sharing their opinions, living their truth, and pursuing their passion—that Lion can be hard to find. Here's how to bring it out:

Roar. Yelling out loud—even in the shower when no one is home—can remind Leos just how powerful their voice really is.

Climb a big rock. Anything that takes Leos outside of their comfort zone and ratchets up their adrenaline is key.

Make a fire. Whether starting a blaze in the home fireplace or building a campfire in the wilderness, this fire sign is in their element. Anything that helps Leos tune into the natural world—and that involves heat and their power colors—will remind them just how strong they are.

Wear gold. A talisman made of gold or depicting a lion can remind Leo of his or her cosmic identity.

Play. Childlike Leo loves interacting with kids, and getting outside and running with the knee-high set can help put Leos back in their element.