Of all the thousands of studies and dozens of identified qualities of successful leaders, five of them have been universally recognized as the most essential. The best part is that all these characteristics can be learned and developed through experience, practice, and time.
Here are the 5 most valuable qualities that people in leadership should possess:
1. Courage
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandala
In business, leaders will often be faced with choices that require them to take a leap of faith. Sometimes, despite all their research and projected assessments, they still don’t have enough data to make a truly informed decision. And leaders will need the courage and confidence to take the risk while taking full accountability in its outcome.
2. Integrity
“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
The success of any business is built on a foundation of truthfulness. Without honesty and integrity, leaders who chose to not play by the rules or took short-cuts find that their success will be short-lived.
3. Humility
“Humility leads to strength and not to weakness. It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes and to make amends for them.” — John J. McCloy
The best leaders are humble. They recognize the collective efforts of a winning team and that their place as a leader is to be a mentor, a coach, and a mediator. Humble leaders know how to forgive, remain thankful, and share authority.
4. Cooperation
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford
An essential quality of leadership is the ability to work well with others and the influence to get others to work well together. The best leaders foster cooperation and teamwork because all employee activity is linked and when all those departments complement each other, efficiency and productivity increases.
5. Vision
“The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” – John Scully
The best leaders have a vision and the foresight to look ahead, anticipate, and see the possibilities. They think of the bigger picture and recognize the potentials of something greater and more exciting. Successful leaders envision progress and journey that it takes to get there.
Do you agree that these are the most essential characteristics of successful leadership? I would love to hear your thoughts.
If you found value in this blog and have time, let’s jump on a call to brainstorm some strategic leadership concepts you may be unfamiliar with. I think you might be pleasantly surprised! Then, without obligation, we can consider if working together would be beneficial.
If that sounds good, you can use this link to schedule a time convenient to you for us to chat: https://meetme.so/GregNichvalodoff I look forward to furthering our connection and learning more about you and your business.
