Qualities of a Leader : The Top Qualities That Matter
Have you ever wondered why some leaders succeed more quickly than others? It is not simply because they are more talented , morebeautiful , have better ideas or have the beststrategic plans. Some of these things impact on the result, but the difference is in the definition of their ability to influence .
"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."
-John C. Maxwell .
The ability to influence others is an essential quality of a leader . Leadersmust accept mastering this skill because it determines your success or failure . Anyone who have a dream to be a great leader "must develop certain qualities and attributes " . Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess, and learn to emphasize . Some are obvious, but others might surprise you, as they did me.
1. Awareness :
“When you're different, sometimes you don't see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn't.”
- Jodi Picoult
There is a difference between management and employees, bosses and workers. Leaders understand the nature of this difference and accept it; it informs their image, their actions, and their communication. They conduct themselves in a way that sets them apart from their employees--not in a manner that suggests they are better than others, but in a way that permits them to retain an objective perspective on everything that's going on in their organization.
2. Honesty :
“Honesty is the most single most important factor having a direct bearing on the final success of an individual, corporation, or product.”
-Ed McMahon .
Another characteristic of leadership that lends itself to credibility. People want to follow an honest leader .When you start a leadership position, you need to assume that people will think you are a little dishonest. In order to be seen as an honest individual, you will have to go out of your way to display honesty.People will not assume you are honest simply because you have never been caught lying.
3. Confidence :
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
- John Maxwell
Confidence is not arrogance. It is not ego centered. It is healthy. It is a sweet elixir that we deserve based on perseverance and commitment.self-confidence is the vital ingredient ofgreat leadership . A a true leader is bornconfident , you can see confidence in leaders who know what they want.
4. Creativity :
“There's a way to do it better—find it.”
-Thomas Edison
Creativity is needed to make good decisions and fast. On the other hand , only creative chefs have the opportunity to rethink their business models and ideas to radically change theirs projects .Creative leaders have to be open-minded and inventive. They have to encourage creativity inside the organisation in any way.
5. Inspiration :
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
-John Quincy Adams .
A leader should not only guide others to ensure great professionalsuccess, but also to inspire, influence, and most importantly, motivate their employees.Inspirational people lead others by letting them see that their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and values are not only desirable, but are possible, by demonstrating they can be done. Once you have seen impossible beingachieved, then the world has changed.
6. Communication :
“Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.”
-William Butler Yeats.
The ability to communicate clearly, concisely and tactfully is a crucial leadership skill. Communication involves more than just listening attentively to others and responding appropriately. It also includes sharing valuable information, asking intelligent questions, soliciting input and new ideas, clarifying misunderstandings, and being clear about what you want. The best leaders also communicate to inspire and energise their staff.
7. Integrity :
“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
-Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Integrity builds the valuable trust inside an organization which is mandatory to creating high performing teams. Followers use integrity as a baseline for whom they will follow, give their loyalty, and use their skills. The most important responsibility of the CEO, and subsequently the other executive level leaders, is to be the example and insist on the integrity that will build and fuel this trust.
8. Optimism :
“Optimists are right. So are pessimists. It's up to you to choose which you will be.”
-Harvey Mackay
Optimism is often misunderstood or lumped into a pile of words that are considered soft or slightly naieve. In reality, true optimism is about knowing who you are, what you are called to do and remaining committed to your vision regardless of the setbacks.
9. Accountability :
“Accountability breeds response-ability.”
-Stephen R. Covey
It means that you accept responsibility for the outcomes expected of you—both good and bad. You don’t blame others. And you don’t blame the external environment. There are always things you could have done—or still can do—to change the outcome. Until you take responsibility, you are a victim. And being a victim is the exact opposite ofbeing a leader.
10. Character :
“Character is power.”
Booker T. Washington
Leader must be trusted to make the smartest decisions and do the right thing, especially in difficult conditions. Trust is achieved by demonstrating competence and through strong character. Hiring executives must believe they can trust the leader as must employees who follow her. Once a leader's character is proven untrustworthy, her ability to lead will diminish. Keeping leaders who have poor character and can't be trusted will diminish morale.
