Five Traits of Effective Leaders - Your Career Intel

Five Traits of Effective Leaders - Your Career IntelLeadership characteristics that contribute to success.As an executive recruiter with over twenty years experience, Ive learned to spot the qualities of a good leader. Leadership traits are not one-size-fits-all in fact, research shows that the best leaders tailor their leadership style to the situation. Some leadership characteristics, however, are consistent across the board. Leaders understand what needs to be done and motivate others to work towards a common goal. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it bestA genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.To complement my own understanding of leadership characteristics, Ive invited insights from some of my clients and leaders whom I fruchtwein respect. Across industries and experiences, we agreed that great leaders share unterstellung five leadership traitsIntegrity A good leader acts with fairness, honesty, and commitment. A great leader inspires others to embrace these qualities also. Trust and respect go a very long way if others see you as a role model, they will follow you. If they suspect that your motives are merely self-interested, they will be less inclined to back you. Be a generous mentor and commit to the success of each individual on your team.Vision To lead effectively, you need to define and share your vision. Effective leaders can see the big picture. Learn to communicate why you think the task at hand is important, and why each persons job is crucial to the groups long-term success. Set measurable goals and milestones. By articulating your passion not only when things are going well, but also during times of difficulty youll inspire dedication in others.Self-Awareness Knowing your strengths and addressing your weaknesses are crucial leadership traits. Be confident in the things you can do well, and consider the areas where you need to improve. The best leaders admit and learn from their mistakes, and arent afraid of b eing corrected. They know what others think of them, and understand how they contribute to the organization as a whole.Decisiveness To state the obvious good leaders simply arent afraid to lead. They make considered, confident decisions, and then they stand by the outcome. They analyze what steps are needed to reach their goals, and stay the course even when obstacles present themselves. Never be afraid to ask for others opinions or to seek the help you need, but dont defer to peer pressure or act against your best judgment.Collaboration Its difficult to lead a team to a common goal unless every team member is engaged. For this reason, great leaders must make their teams feel trusted, valued, and supported. Listen to others and welcome their suggestions. Empower them to speak up and take risks. Encourage open and honest discussion and focus on effective conflict resolution.Theres no such thing as a natural leader leadership, like any other skill, is an acquired talent. Nurture thes e qualities, and you will inspire confidence, respect, and commitment in others.What leadership qualities do you think are most important? What leaders have inspired you to take on new challenges?