Great leaders are characterised by a great number of traits, qualities, and attributes. Here is my pick of the 7 essential attributes found in all great leaders. Developing and applying these 7 attributes will help take you from being a good leader to being a great leader. Reflect on these attributes regularly. Work them into your day-to-day leadership and notice the difference they make straight away.
Wisdom
Wisdom is born of experience, develops as common sense, grows into knowledge, and matures as foresight. Great leaders are lifelong learners who cherish the wisdom of others and constantly look for opportunities to grow their knowledge and share what they’ve learned. If knowledge is power, wisdom is the way leaders share their power.
Optimism
Like master archers of old and the keenest marksmen of today, more often than not we hit the targets we aim for. Hence, it’s best to aim for the results we want rather than to focus on those we don’t. Insidious self-talk and self-doubt are not only destructive to their host but are also damaging in the way they affect others when verbalized. Great leaders know this and look for the good in any situation. Positive, upbeat leaders inspire others with their ability to remain focused on goals and they stay the course in a way that is infectious.
Acceptance of Responsibility
Great leaders accept responsibility. They know the buck stops with them and no one else. They don’t blame market conditions, or the dominance of their competitors and they know there are no bad teams just bad leaders. If their team fails to achieve the results necessary it’s because the leader failed to provide the right direction, guidance, support, tools, funding or opportunities, and may not have provided the correct training or the right resources.
Courage
Leaders are at the helm of all organisations and industries and operate across a large variety of different environments, each with its own unique challenges, threats, and risks. Some environments are physically demanding, remote, or isolated and pose physical dangers such as Defence and law enforcement. Other environments may be less dramatic but can still result in the loss of life or serious injuries such as operating theatres, mining, and firefighting. Regardless of the industry, all leaders need to demonstrate courage and not allow the gravity of the situation to paralyse them and prevent them from taking the necessary action to achieve crucial outcomes. Courage takes many forms, from the Corporal leading his men into battle to the corporate executive briefing shareholders on poor financial results. Courage is an essential quality for any great leader.
Humility
Great leaders are not meek or timid, but they are humble. They don’t speak in terms of “I” or me, they speak in terms of ‘us’ and ‘we’. They know that their role is to set the direction for their team or organisation and then to serve those charged with delivering the outcomes. Humble leaders do not seek the accolades for their success, rather they push them through to their team. When great leaders speak about their success, they praise the hard work and dedication of their team. These leaders are secure in themselves and realise that others know the role they play in setting the direction and supporting their team.
Selflessness
Great leaders are selfless. They put the needs of their team before their own because they understand that the team delivers the outcomes and they merely steer the team in the right direction. Great leaders serve their teams by removing bottlenecks and roadblocks and creating relationships and opportunities. They create a safe environment and encourage their team to stretch themselves knowing they have ‘top cover’ should something go wrong. Great leaders are the first in and last out and always put the welfare of their team ahead of their own. In the military, leaders stay at the back of the line until their troops are fed. If someone is going to miss out, it’s the leader!
Drive
Great leaders set the pace for their organisations. They drive results through their determination, tireless effort, and absolute belief that their plans will yield their desired outcomes. Great leaders monitor the tempo to ensure that they don’t burnout resources or wear out equipment. They are cautious to ensure they maintain ‘one foot on the ground’ as they push forward so they don’t outpace the organisation’s capability or capacity.
