Some traits set a great leader apart from the pack. Great leaders are multidimensional, continually improving, growing and learning.
Here are the most powerful top traits that can make you be the most successful leader you can be:
Self-management. One of the most important traits of successful leadership is self-management. Be aware of your strengths, but also learn how to manage and leverage your weaknesses.
Being a visionary. Exceptional leaders have the ability to look into the future and create a vision that will benefit their organization. Being a visionary means understanding that continuous change is occurring all around you, so what worked in the past may not work now.
Setting goals: A successful leader must be able to set clear goals and be determined and purposeful in achieving them. Set your goals, then back them up with unshakable self-confidence.
Effective communication. Great leaders are effective communicators, able to clearly and succinctly explain everything from organizational goals to specific tasks. Develop your ability to communicate to people what they need to know in order to excel.
Exhibiting integrity. Great leaders never separate character from success. They know there can be nothing of real value if those who follow them can’t respect their leadership. Integrity is about more than just doing the right thing—it’s about standing for something bigger than yourself and setting an example in the process.
Demonstrating decisiveness. Every effective leader has to learn to make sound decisions under pressure. As you build your agility in solving problems under rapidly shifting circumstances, you’re learning to act decisively in a complex environment.
Expressing curiosity. Great leaders share the trait of curiosity. They’re genuinely interested in people, their company and the world around them. They ask questions, read, listen and surround themselves with mentors, coaches and advisors. Build the habit of listening more than you speak, because curiosity is the best way to stay informed.
Conveying compassion. Great leaders consider the needs of others ahead of their own. They care about people beyond what people can do for them personally. Compassion isn’t a trait you can fake, but it is one you can develop by simply paying attention to the people around you.
Communicating expertise. It’s crucial to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s happening and to stay on top of relevant facts, figures, and best practices. To be successful requires mastering your field.
Supplying innovation. Leaders must have the courage to take risks and to encourage creativity in others. Orient your thinking to always look forward with an open mind.
Exemplifying humility. Humility is crucial to real success—the kind that’s based not in what you get but in who you become as a person. Be humble in your confidence and courageous in your character.
Establishing endurance. Every great leader knows that the most important trait you can have is the ability to persevere when things go wrong. Challenges and difficult times will always come and go, but those who stay the course will endure.
Lead from within: If you want to be a successful leader, begin today to cultivate the traits you need.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: iStockPhotos
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Steven Rosen
03. Jun, 2019
Following through the most powerful top traits absolutely adds value to your businesses or Organizations. The biggest problems today is to handle different kinds of challenges that everyday arises and unexpectedly. In an organization, such issues as lack of funding and other resources. That’s why many feels they don’t achieved their goals. It is so easy to get distracted! Everyone wants something, is selling you something, or is trying to get you to notice them. Well done Lolly.