Defining Leadership- 7 Key Characteristics
Developing High Functioning Potential in Leaders and Managers
Jun 10, 2009
Management skills are an important part of the leadership equation, but there are several characteristics that can be nurtured, developed and taught to set the stage for an effective manager to become a successful leader. Here are the commonalities of many of the greatest leaders:
Open-Mindedness in Leadership
Open-mindedness and the propensity for flexible thinking is critical to great leadership effectiveness. If one is willing to try new things and approaches in the work setting, success as a leader is enhanced over someone who is rigid in beliefs and actions. The self-actualized leader thinks outside normal parameters for unconventional solutions to problems.
IQ and Emotional Intelligence
High intelligence is a key common denominator in great leaders. Additionally, an understanding of the value of lifelong learning is critical, particularly within a set field of leadership, be it teaching, analysis or business. There are tools such as brain games, which can help to increase the capacity to memorize and retain information more systematically. Using these tools along with working on improving vocabulary is another way to increase overall intellectual effectiveness. Note that part of the intelligence equation is a high degree of emotional intelligence and maturity.
People Management Skills
Excellent people skills are typical of great leaders. The ability to lead a team and facilitate relationships has become increasingly important in running businesses. One must be perceptive in dealing with others, good at assessing moods and trends and able to handle any situation involving sensitive matters and emotional issues. Some of the charisma attributable to great leaders has been a byproduct of the ability to read their constituency.
Optimism in Leadership
A great leader sees the world in a new way and makes it happen. Positive thinking and self-motivation, often in the face of adversity is perhaps the single most important trait for any leader. One who sees the world with a “glass half-empty” perspective is seldom the conduit of positive change.
Tenacity
Effective leaders aim high and push on when confronted by adversity. This might mean trying something one hundred ways before getting it right or pushing for a goal when most other people would have given up. Historically, many great leaders have been tenacious without ever seeing significant strides toward their causes and goals during their lifetimes (i.e. Martin Luther King, Jr.) but they persevere nonetheless.
Risk-Taking Ability
Successful leaders are willing and able to take calculated risks. This also involves the intelligence to assess risk objectively and to have the fortitude to make changes and deal with the consequences.
Integrity and Leadership
A leader can have all the other traits, but without integrity and honesty, leadership ability is moot. High moral character goes hand-in-hand with great responsibility in today’s business climate, where social corporate responsibility has come of age.
Becoming a great leader is possible even for those who do not possess all the characteristics noted. Working on areas that need development can turn a good leader into a better one. Professional coaching for leaders is often the way to help a very effective management person become more than just a manager. Getting straight talk feedback and working on issues identified will facilitate the development of many budding leaders in business settings.
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