10 Leadership Qualities

In business, managers don't become leaders overnight. Even “born” leaders don’t start out possessing all of the skills that would ideally feature in a list of leadership qualities.

To be a strong leader, managers need to possess numerous skills and qualities, a list of 10 leadership qualities essential to successful leadership include:

1. Vision, a good leader has a clear picture of the objectives of the organization and also the objectives of their team and individuals within it.

2. They also need to have a clear strategy in how they will achieve these objectives, and the ability to form a strategic plan.

3. A list of leadership qualities also includes the ability to make decisions. Good leaders show strength in making difficult and unpopular decisions; they have confidence in their own ability and the strength of their own convictions. A good leader understands that indecision on their part wastes resources and denies the organization opportunities.

4. Risk taking also forms part of any list of leadership qualities. Leaders must have the strength and courage to act in business situations where they are not guaranteed success; a good leader is willing to risk failure.

5. The ability to motivate others is a one of the most important qualities within a list of leadership qualities. A good leader articulates their vision to others, persuading them of the worth of their ideas. A leader inspires people in working towards the objectives of the organization as well as ensuring that they achieve their personal goals. Pushing the Individual to achieve and develop for the benefit of themselves and the organization as a whole.

6. Alongside motivation leaders build teams ensuring that they draw the best from each individual and the team as a whole, they coach teams to ensure collaboration, consensus and resolve conflicts.

7. Self knowledge and awareness also feature in the list of 10 list leadership qualities, a good leader knows their own strengths and weaknesses and are able to view their behavior objectively and also reflect on their own practice. They need to both demonstrate the ability to acknowledge feedback but also to act upon that feedback and make changes where necessary.

 

8. Integrity is vital in any leader and would appear in a list of leadership qualities, leaders need to be trustworthy in order for others to follow them.

9. Good leaders also pursue life-long learning, a key quality is the desire in leaders to continually learn and develop, and they must show openness to new ideas. Reflection is a key element of lifelong learning if leaders are to improve, develop and adapt to the constantly changing business environment.

10. A high priority in any list of leadership qualities is communication; leaders can communicate their ideas to a diverse workforce and adjust their style in meeting the needs of the people they lead.

Finally in the list of leadership qualities leaders have a strong role to play in helping others to succeed in both the teams and with individuals they lead. Leaders empower and enable others in the pursuit of success; they inspire people to reach their full potential, which in turns benefits the organization.