Leadership Characteristics of Great Leaders

Communicating About The Importance of Leadership Characteristics

Whenever I promote someone into a position of leadership, I always have a conversation with them about the critical leadership characteristics that I expect from them. This helps to ensure that we are on the same page, operating from a similar set of values. Having these conversations early once someone steps into a leadership role is essential. It helps set the tone for how they should carry themselves. Furthermore, it helps provide them with great insight into how others may perceive them.

If they are, great, if they are not, can they be coached and trained to get where they need or should be? The reality is that all leaders, especially ones newer to the role, will be judged whether it’s intentional or not, both on what they do and don’t do. So, ensuring that leaders meet and live up to the expectations of these characteristics listed below is essential, not only for their success but the success of all team members working with them.

Must-Have Leadership Characteristics

All great leaders should have the following characteristics:

• • Competent – Refers to your track record with the ability to get things done.
    • Progress is what matters as team members (just like all bosses) want to see results.
    • No one wants to be part of a team that doesn’t make an impact, so if the leader isn’t competent, the chances of success drop.
  • Intelligent – Intelligence is about making well-informed decisions that make sense and that people can believe in.
    • If people don’t believe in you, they won’t follow you.
    • If a leader makes poor choices, then those following them, tend to do the same or they question every move.
  • Drive – A great leader must motivate others, but can only do so if they are driven to succeed.
    • One needs a combination of aggressiveness, self-confidence, and the ability to communicate.
    • If a leader doesn’t have the drive or ambition to move forward or innovate continually, everything becomes stale and boring.
  • Sense of urgency – Great leaders have a sense of urgency about translating their vision into action.
    • A great leader doesn’t wait for info or delay the right decision; they seek it or make it happen.
    • They are more proactive than reactive.
  • Inspiring – Means sharing genuine enthusiasm, excitement, and energy about the exciting possibilities ahead.
    • Inspiring a shared vision of the possibilities ahead drives motivation for others.
    • Leaders who are encouraging are a source of motivation for team members.
    • No one will want to be in the trenches with someone who doesn’t lead from the front.
  • Lead by example – Leading by example is about modeling the way, showing the right behaviors and attitude in all situations.
    • You either lead by example, or you don’t lead at all.
    • As a leader, all eyes are on you regardless of the situation or whether you know it or not.
  • Forward-looking – Being forward-looking means having a sense of direction and concern for the future.
    • Leaders need to have a plan and know where they are going and taking the team.
    • Focusing on the future is what sets leaders apart.

Striving to focus on exemplifying these seven leadership characteristics will significantly help you along the way as you grow into the type of manager you want to become. For more information about the importance of communicating effectively, see our article on building trust. Sometimes there are undocumented expectations not found in your job description, check these out too.

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