The 4 most important leadership qualities


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Article written by Rosalyn Clare, Striding Out Business Coach

What are the qualities most looked for in a leader?

The 4 most leadership qualities or traits which are most prized are:

  • Honesty
  • Forward-looking
  • Competent
  • Inspiring

(according to Koures and Posner's research with 20,000 particpants for The Leadership Challenge) Possessing and displaying these qualities will inspire others and increase your leadership influence.

Honesty

 

Sadly, there is almost an assumption of dishonesty with leaders now, particularly politicians. A leader needs to work harder to dispel this as it is an essential component of leadership.

Honesty means owning up to mistakes and admitting when something hasn't worked. This engenders trust and respect. Honesty starts with the leader being honest with themselves. It is easier for everyone else to admit mistakes when the leader has created a culture of honesty and authenticity.

Forward – looking

 

Good leaders are those with a strong vision of where they are heading. Great leaders have a strong vision and also communicate that vision to others. That vision inspires others to follow.

Being forward-looking enables a moving on from the past and also not focussing too much on problems in the present. It is a focus on the road and the goal ahead. That focus enables strategy and planning.

Competent

 

A leader does not need to be an expert in every subject and they do need to show a level of competency. A leader is competent to lead others.

Inspiring

 

The leaders we remember even after their death were those who inspired others. They have a sense of the bigger picture and how their part fits into it. They inspire others to see their contribution to the bigger picture.

Inspiring leaders enlist others in a common vision by appealing to their values and dreams. People want to find a sense of purpose in their work. Leaders can write a vision statement for their organisation to encapsulate this. Vision is the most powerful motivator and key to successful leadership.

Effective leadership mixes the key leadership qualities of honesty, being forward-looking, the capacity to inspire and competence.

Article written by Rosalyn Clare, Striding Out, Business, Career & Youth Coach

Striding Out regularly runs courses in learning mentoring and coaching skills. If you would like to explore coaching or would like to gain coaching skills to impact others drop us an email at [email protected]

Striding Out equips individuals to become confident leaders – see the Take the Lead programme – http://www.stridingout.co.uk/leadership-support

To develop as a leader or manager, read more about our ILM accredited training courses in Team Leading and also Leadership & Management, taking place in Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle and London here http://www.stridingout.co.uk/ilm-qualifications

 

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