5 Successful Leadership Qualities 

Are Leaders Created or Born?

The phrase “born leadership” has probably been used before. You are either born with the abilities to be a leader or you are not, according to the idiom, which suggests that good leadership traits are natural. And it’s true that some qualities, like charisma, humility, and a sense of humor, seem to be inherited. Only one-third of the variation in leadership traits, according to two research studies—one with male twins and the other with female twins—is related to inheritance.

According to Teresa Goode, EdD, associate teaching professor for the leadership program at Northeastern University, “the core of Northeastern’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is that leaders can be produced.” In order to assist students acquire critical leadership skills, the program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, which is the learning of information through observation and experimentation in a professional situation.

In order to produce the leaders of tomorrow, many businesses, including higher education institutions like Northeastern, are rapidly realizing the advantages of this strategy. Our approach is competency-based, not trait-based, Goode continues. We reduce these fundamental skills to actions that students can watch, imitate, and evaluate.

A successful leader is what?

A successful leader can be shaped by a number of fundamental characteristics in any organization. Everybody around a well-rounded leader can look to them for direction and inspiration. In order to develop the skills of their team members and establish an environment where they can be open, honest, and productive at work, their leadership style combines authority with a positive outlook.

Effective leaders are authoritative, personable, and have a growth attitude. This indicates that they are consistently focused on the overarching aim and shared goal of their firm or group.

Top 5 Characteristics of a Leader

The following five leadership traits are exhibited by effective leaders in both their personal and professional life, motivating others to take initiative and chart a road for success. In order to maximize the benefits of these traits, true leaders also regularly put essential behaviors into practice.

They prioritize their own growth and are self-aware

According to Goode, effective leaders concentrate on increasing their emotional intelligence. Leaders who strive to improve this trait are more adaptable, resilient, and receptive to criticism. Additionally, they actively listen, are adaptable, and have good communication skills.

Developing Self-Awareness

You can focus on your self-awareness and personal growth to build this crucial leadership trait by engaging in the behaviors listed below.

Prioritize your goals, set them, and accept responsibility for achieving them. Accept accountability for missteps or shortfalls from your declared objectives as well.

Successful leaders avoid distractions, keep their eyes on the big picture, and don’t get mired down in minute, tactical details. To encourage efficient time and attention management, adopt these behaviors.

Separate your personal and professional lives by establishing boundaries. Keep in mind that if people see you working late into the night, they will feel they must do the same. Your organization will follow your example.

Be mindful of your abilities, limitations, and any bias that can affect your performance.

They emphasize helping others grow

This leadership trait is based on the situational leadership theory, which contends that effective leaders change their approach depending on whether a person or group is prepared, willing, and able to adopt a particular course of action. According to Goode, delegation, coaching, and mentoring are crucial activities for situational leadership.

How To Help Others Grow

You can display your leadership skills by encouraging others to grow inside an organization by engaging in these practices.

Develop a team of individuals with a variety of talents and experiences, and provide them with the resources and environment necessary to foster mutual trust.

Show both strength and empathy as a coach. Leadership that works is assertive while also being kind.

Make sincere ties with people outside of your company. Even if their field of expertise doesn’t quite fit your team’s needs, actively seek out individuals who will strengthen your group.

They support innovative ideas, strategic planning, and action

“As a leader, you have to think ahead. According to Goode, you need to think about the organization’s future.

How to Improve Strategic Thinking

The following behaviors should be prioritized in order to build leadership skills linked to strategic thinking, creativity, and action.

Keep an open mind and be eager to try new things. This is especially true for startup executives, whose companies regularly change their aims, making it challenging to follow rigorous plans.

Consider your business and the industry it operates in with sincere interest. Your team will benefit from your excitement for what you do, or else they will misinterpret your indifference.

Keep your eyes on the future, be aware that change is happening all around you, and keep an optimistic attitude.

By engaging in activities like brainstorming or prototyping, you may inspire innovation and creativity in your company. Based on the results of this, let the business lines explore new concepts.

They value morality and community

When making decisions, ethical implications are taken into account for both the team and the client.

How To Recognize Ethical Procedures

By taking these actions into consideration, you’ll become more aware of ethical behavior and civic-mindedness, which shows that you care about your entire organization and the community as a whole.

Make wise use of your authority and position. Keep in mind the adage, “Honesty is the best policy.” The entire organization functions with integrity when executives are open and honest with their workforce.

Be honest, upfront, and sincere. Whatever the situation, your staff should know what to anticipate from you.

Recognize the feelings that the individuals of your team are going through. Encourage those who are having difficulty and congratulate those who are achieving. Never criticize teammates in front of others or in private.

Accept responsibility for your errors, and demand the same from teammates. Don’t stop there though.

They engage in efficient intercultural dialogue

Respected leaders have the ability to communicate effectively with team members, business units, the entire organization, and external stakeholders. According to Goode, leaders must also be aware of and respectful of many communication traditions in an increasingly globalized industry.

Effective Communication Development

In order to improve their communication, leaders should put these behaviors into practice.

Concisely describe everything, from organizational goals to particular activities and objectives. You are responsible for anyone on the team who does not fulfill your expectations because you failed to communicate them. Make sure everyone in the organization is aware of your and their goals and objectives by communicating them frequently.

Recognize the subtleties of speaking on the phone, writing an email, and using social media. Determine your advantages and disadvantages in each communication channel, then take steps to fill in any gaps.

When communicating, embrace zeal, assurance, inspiration, and excitement. Positive executives demonstrate their belief that their company is moving toward a better future.