Leadership is an amazingly versatile word with many different variations bandied around depending on the circumstances. The term is easily defined, but what are the most common attributes you might find on every leadership qualities list?
Before we get to our leadership qualities list, let us discuss leadership in more detail and what makes it so vital to have.
For many of us, the first thought that springs to mind at the top of our leadership qualities list is at work. No matter where we work or who we work for, it is highly likely we report to someone. He or she is the office leader, the division, the dept, the troop, or even the CEO of the whole organization. This is not to be confused with the role of a manager. The subject of leadership versus management deserves, and has, its volume of discussion!
A strong and charismatic leader of a workplace or business is vital. They ensure the culture of the team or staff is in good health. They stay ahead of the game and, as a result, are prepared for changes and flows. A strong leader empowers his team and shows the right balance of leading, guiding, and telling. A strong leader is highly respected by the group, creating good morale and significant productivity and performance loops.
Another everyday leadership scenario is in the armed forces. Decorated leaders in this field are highly trusted, deeply respected,d and have the unbridled support of their troops which is crucial in war situations. When you follow someone into battle, you follow a leader's command and not a manager.
Leadership is not limited to merely work and country. Have a good think about it, and you will find leaders everywhere and in every social situation. Look around your family, and you will surely be able to name someone that everyone goes to for advice, cuts the Christmas turkey, sorts out family struggles and conflicts, and ensures lives stay on the right track. Leadership qualities are used and needed all around us otherwise;, we would all be wandering aimlessly and not getting anything done.
So then, what makes a good leader? I have been lucky enough to be around many great leaders in my career and attended and developed many leadership programs. The following leadership qualities list is by no means an exhaustive one; however, I observe the attributes and characteristics to pop up the most often when interviewing groups.
TRUST – Perhaps one of the most crucial attributes, trust is everything to most people. Without trust, there is nothing, and you will always question the agenda, motives, and reasoning behind decisions and direction.
LOYALTY – Closely aligned to TRUST, followers of a leader must know and believe unconditionally that their leader is loyal. Loyal to them and dedicated to the business. A leadership qualities list without these top two is incomplete.
RESPECT – Leaders must be respected however the general rank and file have an unconditional need to be appreciated. A leader without regard will find it extremely hard to inspire action in his or her team, and the adage of “You must give respect to get respect” is never truer than in this situation.
MOTIVATION – Leaders must have the ability to motivate their team. In all facets of business, there are peaks and troughs. A good leader enables the team to get through the hard times, enjoys the good times' successes,s and motivates the team to continually innovate and find new and better ways of thinking and doing.
RESPONSIBILITY – Strong leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions and never let anyone take the fall for them. They know when to shoulder the load and when to allow freedom.
ABILITY TO CONNECT – As an organization grows, connecting with all levels becomes more important. The world is full of complex and varying personality types, and a strong leader can transverse all and speak freely and efficiently with all types. This one, too, should be on every leadership qualities list, especially as we evolve.
PASSIONATE AND ENTHUSIASTIC – We all need to be motivated. Sometimes our enthusiasm wanes, or we may forget what we are trying to achieve. A strong leader speaks with passion and emotion. Their pure high-level energy is a fantastic tool for keeping morale, fun, and innovation at a high level within the organization.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE – Also called “Walking The Talk,” any leader that does not lead by example is doomed. Many team members and staff rate this as one of their most significant criticisms of a poor leader. The old saying “Do as I say and not what I do.” does not wash anymore. Today’s workers expect their leaders to talk and act the same way a general staff member would in the same situation. A poor leader has significant differences between what they say and what they do.
As stated above, this is not the be-all and end-all for our leadership qualities list. Many others may feel I have missed out, and there are probably some above that some people do not entirely agree with. That’s fine; the main question is, are leaders born, or can they be made?
The answer is YES to both! Yes, some people are genuinely born leaders. From an early age, they show leadership signs and generally progress through life the same way.
That is a HUGE question and has been argued passionately from both sides. Some people are indeed born leaders, visible from an early age.
On the other hand, however, leaders can undoubtedly be made. I can personally attest to that!
When I first started my working career, I could not be further away from being a leader! As I progressed through the ranks, I surrounded myself with high-level leaders and tremendous texts, CDs, and other media. I combined these with my life experiences and significant interest in psychology and what makes them tick. Over time I evolved into a well-respected and admired leader.
Leadership at all levels becomes primarily subconscious. This is very important when you have to make quick decisions and think fast. Most leaders have a significantly underinflated view of themselves and often fail to see what all the fuss and admiration is about!
Because leadership kicks in on a subconscious level, you can train your brain to think, be and act like a leader, even without a clearly defined leadership qualities list!
This technology uses binaural beats and isochronic tones in brain entrainment. Right now, you’re carrying with you several factors that would make you a great leader if only they were more active.
Our Alpha Tone improves your alertness while a low Beta Tone supercharges your frontal lobe, which is the part of your brain responsible for decision making. The Dopamine System takes care of our enjoyment centers, attention span, drive and energy, long-term memory, and planning.
By improving the connections between these areas, a new brain emerges with increased attention to leading both confidently, naturally, and effectively. As a result, life becomes easier to plan, success is recognized, opportunity replaces failure, and plans come much more naturally.
YOU TOO can become a more prosperous and inspirational leader!
Using the leadership qualities list above combined with the fantastic tools of brain entrainment and self-led audio hypnosis, you can change the way people see and respond to you!
Do it now and click the image below to learn more about brain entrainment and how it can help you become a better leader and change all aspects of your life!