Qualities of Good Leaders

Some say leaders are born, some say leaders are made.

What does it take to be an effective leader?

Mark Twain once said: "Let's face it, being a leader is not easy. Some times it requires great courage in a very personal way."

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.
~ CS Lewis

There are many qualities that are needed to be a good leader or manager. More are listed throughout this article, but here are a few of the most important ones.

• Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems
• Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions
• Possess excellent two-way communication skills
• Have the desire to achieve great things
• Be well informed and knowledgeable about matters relating to the business
• Possess an air of authority

A good leader makes it look easy that they are leading. Their ability to remain calm, when others might not, helps the team to know they will not stray far from their objective.

Leaders are not perfect, they falter and err along the way. But they move on. And when they fall, they pick themselves back up. They have a resilience that others who are not leading, may not have. They have an enviable commitment to the big picture they see. They learn as they lead, but through perserverance and the strong belief that they know the reason why they are forging ahead, help inspire others to do the same.

A strong leader has a vision, with a clear sense of the direction they want to guide everyone towards. A leader can see the whole picture and create the necessary steps to make their vision happen.

A good leader is persistent and tenacious in their desire to get things done. The ability to think out of the box, to respond to necessary changes and solve the problems as they arise, is one of the qualities that attracts others to follow them.

A good leader wants to succeed at what they are doing. They consider themselves winners and do not want to accept second best. They adhere to high standards and expect excellence from their team.

A strong leader functions well in many situations. People will turn to the team leader when they experience uncertainty and look for re-assurance. A good leader will provide confidence and positive encouragement.

A good leader can weather the various occurences that happen as the team works together. During times of unexpected changes, emotional tolls, and hectic times, a strong leader becomes a source of strength to get through the toughest moments.

A good leader maintains their cool and becomes a role model to others.

A good leader can think out of the box and analytically. They can look at pieces of the puzzle and at the big picture in order to sort it into manageable parts to help see the project to its successful completion.

A leader has to make tough decisions, even if they may be unpopular. They have, conviction, confidence, and committment to achieve what they are setting out to accomplish. An indecisive leader will waste valuable time and resources and create frustration, and lost opportunities.

A leader takes risks, is bold, courageous, and takes action even when the situation may not have a clear picture yet. A leader can analyze the facts, assess their options, and pursue the target with determination.

A leader motivates all those involved to achieve the same vision. A leader convinces others to take chances to achieve things they never thought they could. A good leader inspires all those involved to believe in the value of these pursuits. A leader listens to others and makes everyone feel important and an integral part of the team to work, making sure everyone’s contributions count. A good leader is enthusiasti about what they are doing and get others enthusiastic too, motivating everyone towards the same aim.

A good leader leads from strength. They are honest and trustworthy, competent, reliable, stable, true and comfortable with themselves. They exemplify admirable and positive traits that most other people see and want to attain for themselves.

Having integrity is an important quality in a leader.

A good leader thinks and act positive and stays focused on what they want to achieve.

A good leader thinks differently, offers innovative ideas and learns from the past so they are always making improvements.

A strong leader builds good relationships with other people.
A good leader can make tough choices.
A good leader is adaptable and ready to make changes when necessary.

A good leader seeks opportunities in all scenarios
A good leader is always learning new things. They grow and are open to new ideas. They surround themselves with people who compensate for their own weaknesses. They don’t try to do everything well themselves. They look for support where they need it.

A strong leader is a good communicator. They let their team members know what they want from them and have the ability to effectively convey their ideas to different individuals. They can adjust their communication styles depending on who they are talking to. Good leaders us active listening. They can read between the lines based on what the person is saying. A good leader is good at restating the important points so that everyone is clear about what is being said.

A good leader is interested in his team. They wants everyone to succeed and will empower others. They want their team to achieve their full potential so all involved benefit. A good leader brings out the best in their team.

A good leader can relate to others in ways that makes them feel like they are speaking to each person individually. To have the ability to connect to others, show them their vision, and rally the masses take special qualities.

A good leader thinks and acts positive and stays focused on what they want to achieve.

A good leader thinks differently, offer innovative ideas and learns from the past so they are always making improvements.

A strong leader builds good relationships with other people.
A good leader can make tough choices.
A good leader is adaptable and ready to make changes when necessary.

A good leader seeks opportunities in all scenarios
A good leader is always learning new things. They grow and are open to new ideas. They surround themselves with people who compensate for their own weaknesses. They don’t try to do everything well themselves. They look for support where they need it.

A strong leader is a good communicator. They let their team members know what they want from them and have the ability to effectively convey their ideas to different individuals. They can adjust their communication styles depending on who they are talking to. Good leaders us active listening. They can read between the lines based on what the person is saying. A good leader is good at restating the important points so that everyone is clear about what is being said.

A good leader is interested in his team. They wants everyone to succeed and will empower others. They want their team to achieve their full potential so all involved benefit. A good leader brings out the best in their team.

A good leader can relate to others in ways that makes them feel like they are speaking to each person individually. To have the ability to connect to others, show them their vision, and rally the masses take special qualities.

Being a leader doesn’t mean they are controlling or commanding or demanding others to mindlessly follow them. A good leader will not lead by intimidation.

Being a leader does mean that they listen to the ideas of others, are open to the inspiration others can bring, and hear what others have to say. A good leader wants everyone to know their efforts help the target they are aiming for. They know that everyone counts and look to make sure that everyone knows they count. They will never underestimate other people.

Through their traits, a good leader sets the tone that others will follow. Through their self confidence, a strong leader has the courage to be open. They won’t give up, and can motivate others beyond the difficulties.

A leader can see where they are going and knows their priorities to get the job done. They will make sure things happen. They know their objectives and have a road map about how to get there. They are able to build a team of achievers who can see the objectives clearly. A good leader knows how to get the team to work together and to get each to give their best efforts.

There is no one way to be a leader, but all leaders have the ability to make others feel inspired and motivated. Each leader has their own style, which is influenced by their own individual belief system. A good leader teaches others, but also learns from them too. They are generally fast learners. They evolve and grow and lead by example. Through fairness and consistency, others to be are able to depend and rely on their lead.

Leaders have an ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

A good leader does not have to be perfect. But they do have to step up to the plate and take responsibility for all they doing. A good leader will embrace their team and help them see the bigger picture.

There are all kinds of people and a good leader understands this diversity. They are able to tap into each person’s own strength, and value what each individual can offer. Leaders empower others, and challenge each towards the greater objective. Leaders know and expect setbacks. Through their vision, they know how to lead beyond the obstacles.

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.’’ ~ Nelson Mandela

Some leaders forget why they are leading. When they look to gain attention, which takes away from the good of what they are trying to achieve. When they try to grab the glory for themselves, they are doing the opposite.

History, both in politics and business shows many leaders who have exemplified these qualities. Their legacy has endured time. The effects of their accomplishments can still be seen today. A good leader is hard to come by, not every person in power is a good leader. But when one comes along, it is unmistakable.

So the next time you follow a leader, ask yourself what qualities they possess, and if they are the type of person who you really should be following.

Are leaders born or made? What do you think?