The Common Qualities of Real Leaders

The Common Qualities of Real LeadersThe Common Qualities of Real LeadersLeadership is a difficult term todefine, but everyone knows what qualities they think great leaders possess. Theyre also certain they know the qualities that ineffective people show when they are thrust into leadership positions. How to Identify a Real Leader Participants in executive training workshops are inevitably asked to describe the attributes and behaviors of leaders they admire. The results are consistent. Real leaders treat everyone with respectTheir actions match their wordsThey teach by exampleThey challenge us to be our bestThey coachThey support the growth of the people who work for themThey communicate effectivelyThey share the big picture and pitch in on the details Bad Traits for a Leader The traits of a lousy leader are equally easy to spot. The lousy leader micromanagesIs arrogant, aloof, or bothCriticizes without foundationCommunicates infrequently and ineffectivelyNever clarifies the big picture and never works alongside subordinates The Top 10 Leadership Qualities This list is also crowdsourced from many executive training sessions. They are the qualities that most often are used to describe the best leaders that participants have worked for or with. Effective leaders bring out the best in others. They believe that everyone has untapped potential and give people the confidence to achieve that potential.The best leaders inspire with words and actions.They have bold visions and audacious goals, but they also have the ability to communicate in a way that inspires others to act. They involve others to give people a sense of ownership and control.Great leaders are genuine.They know who they are and they are not afraid to let others binnensee their core values, strengths, and weaknesses. They have a presence. Great leaders stay in the moment whether theyre on stage or interacting with a single person. They pay attention, listen, ask great questions, and make ever yone feel they are being heard and valued.They can be trusted and they trust others. They say what they mean, mean what they say, and do what they promise to do. They expect the same of others.They preach and practiceaccountability.The best leadersadmit their mistakes and never point fingers or make excuses. They also hold others accountable. Great leaders drive great results.Theynever take their eyes off the target.They are positive and confident. Great leaders can balance optimism, passion, and confidence without ignoring reality. They dont let confidence turn into hubris.Effective leadersdrive change. They also understand the dynamics oforganizational and individual change and can cope with them.They empower others. Great leaders are comfortable delegating. They understand the motivational power of giving people control. They dont hoard or abuse their power. The Bottom Line When you have the opportunity to work for a leader who displays the qualities described above, pay clo se attention and learn. These lessons offer priceless guidance as you strive to grow into the leader other people describe positively in workshops and seminars.