I was asked to describe the good qualities that I think that should Leader have.
I think this is a very interesting question, as think many of us have different demands on our leaders, which are often dependent upon the way that we like to work.
Below is a list of the top 10 qualities I look for in Leaders, or like my leaders to have.
- Bold
- Simplicity
- Inspiring
- Knowledgable
- Consistent
- Supportive
- Generous
- Authentic
- Communicative
- Honesty
Boldness: I think we all want to be part of something big, something special, we all want to feel that we have been part of something great. So I like a leader who sets bold goals.
Simplicity: This is a twofold quality: one is to keep things simple and to get us to focus on what’s important, it’s very easy to over complicate things which then reduces, the chance of success; secondly it’s about being to explain things simply so that we have a great understanding of whats needed. The better we understand the higher the probability of success.
Inspiring: Leader needs to be able to generate the belief that the goal can be achieved, they need to be able to make the team believe.
Knowledgable: Leader need to understand why we are going where we are going, they need to know why its important, they need to be able to explain it in detail. Vagueness is a clear example that a leader doesn’t fully understand why, what, or how, and these are fatal in a leader as they can raise doubts.
Consistency: Leaders need to be consistent we cannot have the targets changing every few months, otherwise the teams loses focus and direction. Also the leader needs to be consistent in how they deal with people, treat everyone the same, and be consistent about what good looks like.
Supportive: Leaders need to support their team, allow them to make mistakes and help them to over come them, they need to ensure that their teams have all of the tool and resources that they need to be successful. They also need to defend their teams too, especially when things are not going well, which will always happen if you shoot for ambitious goals.
Generous: Leaders need to be generous with praise and credit. If they look to keep all of the credit for themselves very soon they will have few followers, no one wants to feel like they were a bit player, especially when they we one of the key contributors.
Authentic: Leaders need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, too often leaders say one thing and do another. Nothing loses followers quicker than being inauthentic.
Communicative: Leaders need to provide clear and consistent messages setting direction and then regular feedback on the progress being made, this should be monthly or quarterly at least. We need to regularly communicate to the teams to let them know they are on the right track, that they are making the right progress. Imaging driving a car without a speedometer and how difficult you would find it to understand your progress, whether to are going to fast or to slow.
Honesty: I think that as this is the basis for trust, if the leader lacks honestly it, then it makes it practically impossible to lead.
What qualities do you look for, are there any that you think I have missed?
If so, then let me know.
Gordon Tredgold
Hi Gordon.
I would add Demanding, as an ingredient to achieve the bold goals.
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i just re-read your comment, and i would say that if leaders are reasonable but could do with some improvement, then actually they can be open to feedback.
It’s the bad leaders who really do need to change that won’t listen
Indeed the relationship between leadership and change is mutual. I would say that:
Leadership happens when you change yourself and others.
Change happens when you lead yourself and others.
i really like that, beautifully put
Honesty is definitely number one. Research such the one done by Kouzes and Posner has shown the same. In 4 surveys conducted around the world with intervals of 7 years between each about 87 percent on average said that honesty is the number one characteristic of most admired leaders.
Honesty is very important, without it leadership is doomed
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The qualities of a good leader are the qualities that Lord Rama has . There are 14 qualities .
Dynamic; specifically in India. With various hues in every aspect of life; the ability to understand the core values behind the noise.
transparency
i would like to add it into the quality list …. because it is important quality, it leads to build mutual trust between leaders and their team … also help the team to understand well the project goals which will result at the end to successful project .
Another excellent article.