What are definitive qualities that make up a good leader? This question can have many different answers depending on the person you are asking. Different types of people thrive under different types of leaders and managers. It is important to make the distinction between a leader and a manager. There can be different sets of management styles but there are fundamental qualities that qualify someone as a good leader. This article will explore some of those qualities and what they contribute to making a leader.
Passion
The driving force of a leader is having passion for what they are doing. Without passion, your drive for success will not manifest in your work. Having passion is fundamental and the people working around you will notice when your passion shines through. Having passion for your work will in turn help inspire employees and colleagues to give their best and encourage collaboration and a good work environment.
Communication Skills
Arguably the most valuable skill as a leader is having the ability to communicate well. Communication, in all of its various forms is the basis of any business. Words can hold powerful meaning and effect people in profound ways. Being able to relay messages clearly and concisely can help you form a better team and work towards your goals more efficiently.
Decisiveness
All leaders have to make difficult decisions at some point. It is an ongoing process to evaluate situations and have the strength to make the tough decision, but the right decision. Leaders should have the courage to make decisions in a timely manner and try not to wait and see how things pan out. Decisiveness is a difficult quality to attain but it is an essential quality for any leader to be able to be successful in their profession.
Empowerment
Empowering your employees or fellow colleagues is a great skill for any leader to have. Make sure that people who work with you know that you trust their judgement to make decisions on their own. When employees feel that they are empowered, they tend to feel more confident in the business and comfortable performing their job duties throughout the day.
Humility
It is important to know when you are wrong and to own up to the fact that you are. Leaders can sometimes get caught up in the idea that their decisions should not be questioned but that is an easy way to break down employee trust. Use the situations where you may have been wrong as a way to grow and learn from your experiences.