TCII :: Management Consultants
Building Profitable Business
Other useful resources:
Send this page to a friend
Blue-Chip :: Blog
What qualities are important in a leader?
Posted by: Terry Irwin on the: 23 Jul 2010There are many different styles of leadership, but what core qualities are absolutely imperative in effectively guiding a company to success and steering it clear of troubled waters?
• Integrity - Without integrity there can be no trust within the company. If employees at any level feel that the boss at the top is unpredictable, insincere or lacking in moral conviction, their morale will fall and their commitment to the company will waver. Likewise, other companies may be reluctant to deal with a business that they feel has an unscrupulous leader.
• Vision - A good leader should be able to see the way ahead to where the company needs to go and then guide it there.
• Adaptability - As well as having the vision to see the way ahead, the head of the company should be able to deal with any obstacles that stand in the way of the business’s long-term goals, with creativity and innovation.
• Assertiveness - To get things done in business, a leader must be able to inspire others to do what is required, and communicate clearly what he or she expects.
• Commitment - The sign of a truly great leader is one who pours their heart and soul into the business and sticks at it through thick and thin. A leader who is committed demonstrates belief in what the company is trying to achieve and inspires others to believe as well.
Comments
Neil Jamieson wrote
A good point, as much is made of leadership styles and their differences, without commenting on what these styles have in common. Perhaps self-awareness is also another common thread? The leader who is aware of his own style, strengths and weaknesses will be better able to manage.
Comment on: 26 July 2010 - 08:40:29James Thompson wrote
I'd agree with all these points. Each are, in their own way, equally important. If I had to pick one, I guess it would be adaptability, only because this is the skill which allows leaders to learn and develop themselves.
Comment on: 28 July 2010 - 08:00:01Joanne Wilcox wrote
Although it is not a personality trait, listening is another great skill in a leader. Not only does it make you people-focused, it also allows for the widest input of ideas to your work.
Comment on: 6 August 2010 - 07:05:14Thomas wrote
Couldn't agree more with this list - although prioritising them is much tougher. Possibly commitment is the outstanding one for me, as unless you are fully committed to your business and team, you won't succeed, or inspire others to do the same.
Comment on: 11 August 2010 - 07:45:25Sarah Fletcher wrote
I think trying to prioritise these qualities is the wrong approach. Each is equally important and go a long way to creating a strong and capable leader.
Comment on: 23 August 2010 - 08:43:17Search this site
The TCii Blog
RSS Blog Feed