7 Great Leader Characteristics

Being a successful leader is much more than just having good skills. Your personal attributes or characteristics are just as important to your success. In fact some research would suggest that these are even more vital to your success. Of the host of characteristics that leaders have, here are my top 7.

Commitment

Leadership is a marathon rather than a sprint. You need to be willing to keep going whatever the obstacles and challenges.

Clarity

Good leaders know where they are heading and why. They have clarity of purpose.

Communication

The best leaders speak well, write well and listen exceptionally well.

Courage

Leaders who have courage make the big calls even when there is personal risk.

Consistency

People like leaders who, no matter what, their style is consistent.

Caring

Good leaders are interested in a care about the success of others.

Challenging

The best leaders challenge others to achieve bigger things than they thought were possible.

I wonder what other characteristics from your own experience that you would add to the list?

Duncan Brodie helps accountants and health professionals to realise their professional potential. He invites you to take advantage of his free audio e-course, Leadership Success.

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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14 comments

Christoph Seidl says 3 January 2011

Dear Duncan, I wish you happy New Year and I am very happy with your post on leadership. Please compare with my own at https://bit.ly/hGZvr3
about “Change needs Leadership, no Managers”. I also established a trackback between both posts. Let’s exchange some ideas.

Regards, Christoph

Duncan Brodie says 3 January 2011

Christoph

I would agree with your view that Change needs leadership. In many respects it is the leaders ability to change hearts and minds that makes a big difference.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment

rajesh.m says 19 July 2012

This qualities are easy to speak but very tough to do. Am trying from now.

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7 Great Leader Characteristics

About the Author Duncan Brodie

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14 comments

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