7 Qualities of Good Leaders

Many people make it to leadership roles while others get stuck and fail to realise their potential. In my experience those who make the breakthrough have most of the following qualities:

  1. Clarity

    Good leaders have clarity about what they want to achieve personally, professionally and for the organisations in which they work.

  2. Talent

    Being a leader requires a high level of competence in a wide range of areas. While they might not be brilliant at everything, they need to be as comfortable sitting in front of the media as they are drawing themes from a performance report.

  3. Belief

    Frequently it is what people believe about themselves that separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

  4. Opportunity Spotters

    Good leaders have a great knack for spotting and capitalising on a gap in the market.

  5. Adaptable

    They are able to adapt to changing circumstances within the organisation or externally within the market or environment in which the organisation operates.

  6. Dedication

    Dedication is about making the choices, sacrifices and having the discipline to keep going even when it all appears like a lost cause.

  7. Caring

    This might not be one that you would have expected to find on the list. However, in my experience leaders care about others’ success and bringing out the best in others.

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to become highly effective leaders and managers. You can sign up for his free audio e-course at www.goalsandachievements.co.uk

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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Recruiting Leaders: How to Identify & Attract Them | Cachinko says 31 January 2011

[…] Duncan Brodie writes that there are seven qualities of good leaders: […]

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John Nicholls says 6 February 2011

Good list but what do you call these leadership roles?
Do you mean managers who have been promoted to important positions? If so, why not call them high-profile managers? It’s managers who must supply leadership.
Compare your seven qualities with my four PACE skills on: http://www.johnnichollsassociates.com

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