Leadership Qualities of Successful Leaders

The ultimate role of leaders is deliver results.  A drive for results is not enough to be successful as a leader.  The qualities of the most successful leaders that I have been fortunate to work with include:

  1. Taking responsibility for making things happen.
  2. Acting with integrity even when times are tough.
  3. Getting on with taking decisions.
  4. Deal with facts.
  5. Inspiring others to give that bit of extra effort by being a role model.
  6. Optimistic or what I would call glass half full people.
  7. Resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks.
  8. Drive for excellence and continuous improvement.
  9. Navigating the organisation through challenging times.
  10. Looking for the opportunitities when something significant impacts on the business.

What qualities have you noticed in successful leaders?

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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3 comments
Wendy says 25 November 2008

A leader is a changemeister… someone who navigates change well. This person knows that change is inevitable, necessary, and good. This person has an optimistic view of change, how they handle it, and that there is something to learn from it. This person embraces change and says “Bring it on!”

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Janice Robertson says 25 November 2008

Like you Duncan I have had the good fortune to work with some incredible leaders. As well as the points you covered I have noticed that the leaders who have inspired me have a tremendous enthusiasm for what they are doing – you can’t help but want to be involved and aim for excellence.

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Steve Mitten says 25 November 2008

Hi Duncan.

Yes to all you have said, and I believe great leaders have the ability to manage their own state (emotions, stress, desires, aversions, etc.), the willingness to grow (as human beings and leaders) and a desire to act for the greater good.

All the best,

Steve

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