What Makes a Great Leader:7 Characteristics You Need to Develop
It is common to presume that a leader is simply born with certain qualities and that you can´t become one. People have strong opinions about it and claim that being a charismatic leader is a matter of luck. Some people have better preconditions to become a leader, and some are natural leaders. But those that would like to become a leader should not give up.
In fact, a great leader is someone with the integrity, humility, and focus. Who wouldn´t like to work with someone with great moral qualities and work ethic? Who wouldn’t like to talk to someone humble? Therefore, the following lines are excellent for company incorporation as all the employees should nurture these traits.
„Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them. “ — Jack Canfield
Attitude makes the difference, and the positive attitude will only change things for better. Therefore, you want your leaders and employees to develop a positive attitude. No matter what you are going through at the moment, the only thing that will make you move forward is the belief that you will succeed.
Now, that we know how important is to learn and develop leader characteristics, let´s move on to find out what they truly mean.
Cooperation
There is no need to create the barriers between you and your employees if you are in a position where you have to assign tasks. An alternative option is to make them want to get the job done. When people are inspired and motivated to work, they will do almost anything. That is why you should think about their interests and make every goal be a mutual success.
It is not new information, but people tend to forget the most important thing when it comes to cooperation, and that is COMMUNICATION.
Communication is everything, and if you communicate clearly and kindly with key persons in your business environment, you will get the job done well and on time. Therefore, invest time in your work relations as they are the keystone to your future success.
And while we are speaking of cooperation, we should not forget the queen of human relationships — EMPATHY. A true leader knows how to tune into other people´s feelings, he cares about their needs and tries to make others feel comfortable. Remember, it is not about the money, empathy will save the world and so your company will grow only in an understanding environment.
Focus
Why is the focus so important? It is because that is the point where your energy goes, therefore it is more or less — everything.
You can improve your focus when you set your priorities. True leaders know what their priorities are, and what should be in the center of their attention at one specific moment. Therefore, a leader should be focused on results and the future. Also, they try to take the best from their employees, focusing on their strengths.
Strategy
As a leader, you should have the ability to look at the bigger picture, and realize what is your next move according to the situation on the market. Where is the market heading? What are people´s needs?
You should anticipate trends before your competition, you should go ahead in order to make a company develop. Those who can predict the situation on the market are those that can survive cruel, business race.
Humility
Remember these words: „Humble yourself or life will do it for you.“
Why should you control your ego so much? Because, true wisdom comes from listening, not talking. Therefore, as much as it matters how you speak and when you speak, it matters can you listen, and do you listen carefully. Do you listen in order to win in an argument or you are looking for a solution?
No matter, how much you know or how hard you have worked, there is always a room for improvement, which is nice and interesting. Appreciate your coworkers, let them know they matter and respect their opinions. It wouldn´t mean you are weak, it will mean you are not threatened by others.
The future of your company relies on your decisions, and your ego should not stand in the way of making them.
Integrity
We invest so much time in education, skills, and work, yet we always forget the core values. Trustworthiness, truthfulness are core values every company should nurture. As a leader, you should be honest with your employees and inform them clearly and correctly in any situation. That is not easy, especially when the circumstances are not good, but having integrity means you have to take responsibility for your actions and words.
Truthfulness is the foundation quality of the trust that is necessary for the success of any business.
Courage
What is interesting here, is that all of the previous qualities in a way require courage. You should have courage to speak the truth when it´s tough. You should have stength to control your ego in difficult situations. In order to make plans, strategies, you have to risk sometimes. Risking requires a lot of courage.
Therefore, courage is a must for every leader. Although, it is natural to feel the fear, but how you respond to it is what makes the key difference.
„Fear is a reaction, courage is the decision.“ — Winston Chruchil
Vision
We have mentioned startegy and the importance of planning ahead. However, vision is even more than planning ahead. Vision is more than a plan. Vision is the brilliant idea that goes far in the future and it is there to make your company stand out comparing to others. Vision give authenticity which is remarkable quality on the market.
Great leader will have a clear vision of where the company is heading. Also, he/she should have contagious belief that this idea is applicable and the goal achievable. Leaders are nt machines, they are passionate and driven by their ideas. They inspire others and motivate them to head towrds the unique goal.
„Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.“ — Jonathan Swift
