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Private Client :: Blog

What qualities are important in a leader?.

Posted by: Terry Irwin on the: 23 Jul 2010

What qualities are important in a leader?

There 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.

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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 - 08:41:08

James 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 - 08:00:29

Beverley Hamilton wrote

These 5 talents to quote Marcus Buckingham of First Break All The Rules fame are all important. However, I believe that to be able to apply and leverage those talents, leaders need to have the 3 As. Awareness, Who are they really as individuals Accountability, what do they stand for Action, how do they show up in the world The 3As give a foundation and context for their talents to be applied.

Comment on: 4 August 2010 - 10:00:47

Joanne 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 - 07:06:49

Joanne 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 - 07:06:50

Thomas 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 - 07:45:58

Sarah 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 - 08:43:54

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