What Qualities Make a Great Leader?
Leadership is not a position or a title, it is an approach to life. Leaders are not born, they are made. Leadership is not about the individual, it is about the team. Leaders must be willing to put the team ahead of themselves. A leader is someone who is able to inspire others to achieve great things. Below are some leadership qualities that have been identified as important for leadership.
Integrity
Integrity is one of the most important qualities that make a great leader. Leaders need to be honest and truthful with themselves and others in order to build trust and respect. They need to be able to make decisions based on what they believe is right, not what will benefit them personally. Leaders with integrity are also willing to stand up for their beliefs even when it is difficult or unpopular. They do not waiver in their convictions and always act with honesty and honor.
Passion
Further, a great leader must have passion. They need to be truly passionate about their cause or vision in order to inspire others to buy into it as well. A great leader is also able to articulate their passions in a way that makes others want to get on board. They are able to paint a picture of what the future could look like if everyone works together towards a common goal. Lastly, leaders with passion are often more resilient, meaning they are not easily discouraged and will continue working towards their goals even in the face of setbacks.
Intelligence
Intelligence is one of the most important qualities that make a great leader. Leaders need to be able to think strategically and understand complex problems in order to come up with effective solutions. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing. Leaders need to be able to stay calm under pressure and make tough decisions when needed. Finally, leaders need to have a strong work ethic and be able to motivate others toward common goals.
Empathy
In its simplest form, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. For leaders, empathy is a critical ingredient for creating a positive and productive work environment. When leaders are able to empathize with their team members, they are able to better understand their needs and desires. They can identify the challenges that team members are facing and provide the support and resources they need to be successful. Leaders who lack empathy may be more likely to micromanage or make decisions without considering the impact on their team.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence can be defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions. It is about being aware of your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is also about being able to use that awareness to manage interactions and relationships. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are able to create a positive emotional climate in their organizations. They are able to manage stress and conflict effectively, and they are able to get the best out of their employees. In fact, research has shown that emotional intelligence is one of the key predictors of job performance.
Overall, what qualities make a great leader? Some important qualities are outlined above. These qualities are important because they help a leader to be successful in achieving their goals and leading their team to success. Take part in a leadership program through the Center of Creative Leadership to grow these qualities in yourself!
