Characteristics that leaders MUST have
A pursuit of wisdom
A leader should certainly have knowledge and be intelligent. But a great leader will have wisdom. They will know what to do with the knowledge they have.
A motive of responsibility
The right motive for leadership is responsibility. Unfortunately, too many leaders are motivated by rewards. The love of responsibility is what likely drives someone to become a leader in the first place.
A calm demeanor
If a leader is panicky they will create a panicky culture. In a crisis or tense moments leaders should have the lowest heartrate in the room.
A generous disposition
I think life goes better for generous people. Likewise, organizations with generous leaders simply do better. A generous leader will share accolades, profits and encouraging words with their follower. People want to follow a generous leader.
A growth mindset
If a leader does not have this mindset they should not be in leadership. A true leader will want their organization to grow. And they will want their people to grow.
A commitment to being a lifelong learner
Learners inherit the future. A leader’s competence is based on their ability to learn. Therefore, leaders need to continually learn so that they gain the knowledge and skills that keep them competent in an ever changing world. Plus, I believe when the boss gets better the business gets bigger.
A humble nature
Being humble separates good leaders from great leaders. Success can lead to pride. Humility is what keeps a leader learning and growing.
An uncompromising integrity
A great leader must maintain the highest level of morals. Leaders who have integrity are contributors while leaders without it are consumers.
A love of truth
Leaders love the truth whether it’s good or bad. Leaders have a high tolerance for candor. They must love hearing truth and telling the truth. This is what enables a leader to make wise decisions. If you don’t tell a leader the truth you are doing them a major disservice.
A bias for action
Leaders like to get things done and they like followers who get things done. Hustle is a virtue to a leader. If an organization is going to make things happen it must be modeled by the leader.
A disciplined nature
Leaders must be disciplined in all areas of their life from the food they eat, their exercise regimen, sleep schedule, reading habits, etc. Discipline results in being better tomorrow than you are today.
A vision of the future
Leaders must have a vision of the future. Your vision is what you are leading people towards. The bible says that people perish when there is no vision. Leaders must constantly be looking into the future for opportunities.
A resilient nature
Not everything a leader tries will work. They must have perseverance to walk through those times.
A decisive demeanor
Leaders have to make decisions. Leaders also like to make decisions. I’ve heard it said that the leader is the “chief decider.” Here’s an article (Links to an external site.) I wrote on how to make decisions.
A knowledge of their just cause
A great leader doesn’t just want to make a profit, they want to make a difference. For this to happen a leader must know what Simon Sinek calls their just cause. Without knowing their highest purpose a leader will not lead at their highest level. My highest purpose is to “depopulate hell.” Everything I do as a leader filters through that purpose. Knowing and leading from your purpose is how you inspire followers. People want to make a difference and are willing to follow a leader who has a higher purpose.
A default of clear communication
Clarity is how a leader loves their followers. Nothing is worse when it comes to communication than a lack of clarity. Leaders must communicate the vision, values, opportunities, expectations with clarity. I do believe that 99% of problems are caused by poor communication and 99% of solutions are due to good communication.
