What Makes A Great Leader?

As a business leader, you are expected to inspire and motivate your team to achieve their goals. But what makes a great leader? What traits do great business leaders possess? In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 traits that make a great leader and provide practical tips on how to lead effectively.

Good leaders understand that they serve the team around them. The leader is aware that it is invariably the team that delivers and as such, the leader is there to remove the roadblocks, deal with the side shows, and the politics and deal with other senior staff.

Good leaders move out of the way and trust the team to deliver.

Good leaders understand how destructive an ego can so choose to leave theirs at the door.

Good leaders find ways to make the team better at their work, encouraging the team to grow their knowledge and skill sets.

Good leaders ask what it is that the individual wishes to be or to have achieved whilst they are working with the leader.

Good leaders are selfless.

 

 

Ten Traits Of A Great Leader:

 

1. Visionary Leadership

A great leader has a clear vision and can articulate it to their team. They are able to inspire and motivate others to work towards a common goal. As a visionary leader, you need to have a clear idea of where you want to take your business and communicate that vision to your team.

2. Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking is another important trait of a good leader. You need to be able to analyse data, identify trends and patterns, and use this information to make informed decisions. Strategic thinking involves looking at the bigger picture and thinking long-term.

3. Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for a great leader. You need to be able to communicate your vision, goals, and expectations clearly to your team. This includes both verbal and written communication.

4. Adaptability

A great leader is adaptable and able to adjust to changing circumstances. They are able to pivot quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or opportunities. Being adaptable means being open to new ideas and willing to make changes when necessary.

5. Empathy

Empathy is an important trait of a good leader. You need to be able to understand and relate to the needs and concerns of your team members. This involves active listening and being responsive to feedback.

6. Decisiveness

Being decisive is another key trait of a great leader. You need to be able to make tough decisions quickly and confidently. This involves weighing up the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best course of action.

7. Accountability

A great leader takes responsibility for their actions and decisions. They hold themselves accountable for the outcomes of their leadership. This involves being honest and transparent with your team and admitting when you have made a mistake.

8. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. A great leader has high emotional intelligence and is able to empathise with their team members. This involves being aware of your own emotions and managing them in a constructive way.

9. Authenticity

A great leader is authentic and genuine. They are true to themselves and their values, and this authenticity shines through in their leadership style. Being authentic means being honest and transparent with your team, and leading by example.

10. Continuous Learning

A great leader is always looking for ways to improve and grow. They are open to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes. Continuous learning involves seeking out new knowledge and skills and applying them to your leadership style.

 

In conclusion, the traits of a great leader are numerous, but these top 10 traits are the most essential. As a business leader, it’s important to develop these traits and continue to improve your leadership skills. By doing so, you can inspire and motivate your team to achieve their best and lead your business to success.