We understand now that everyone in an organization is a leader whether they operate with a title or not. Here are nine key qualities people seek most in a leader. Which qualities do you own?
- Humility. It is often found in the most effective leaders, including Pope John Paul II and Abraham Lincoln.
- Integrity. Leaders in different industries and cultures can and do spar over the rules, but integrity is the bedrock characteristic of straight dealing. If you lose your integrity, you lose everything.
- Decisiveness. While consensus drives decision-making in certain quarters, most U.S. firms prize a leader’s ability to step up and make decisions, even if it’s deciding only when consensus has been reached and it’s time to act.
- Emotional toughness. The trick is being able to make difficult, emotional decisions without appearing cold-hearted or weak-kneed.
- Emotional resonance. This is the ability to grasp what motivates others and use it to inspire them into action.
- Adaptability. A pronounced characteristic of every leader in today’s global marketplace, adaptability is characterized chiefly by speed, but also by innovation.
- Self-knowledge. This valuable trait will protect you from overreaching.
- Passion. Fortunately, this trait is prized and encouraged in American life. If you are passionate about something, that’s where you will lead.
- Conviction. All leaders everywhere believe in what they’re doing.
Source: Adapted from “Asian and American Leadership Styles: How Are They Unique?” D. Quinn Mill, Harvard Business School Working Knowledge, http://hbswk.hbs.edu.
Tags: D. Quinn Mill, leadership
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