Characteristics of a Good Leader - Bloomsburg Area School ...



Characteristics of a Good Leader

Honesty – the number one quality of leadership that people look for! This has been proven in research studies. The leader must behave in an honest and ethical manner. Words are not enough to convince people that a leader is honest.

Model Behavior – A leader needs to be willing to set an example by being the first to perform a particular task or action. This personal example goes a long way to motivate and inspire others. Additionally leaders need to be willing to do everything that they ask others to do. This, of course, does not mean that they actually participate in every task that they assign, but that they are involved.

Creativity in Problem Solving – leaders need to be creative, but they also need to recognize and utilize the creativity of others. Innovation is important to leaders in two ways: they must possess the ability to come up with some of their own creative solutions, but equally important, they must recognize and utilize early on the innovations of others. Never give up- there is always another move.

Inspired Passion – the only way for a leader to inspire passion is to be passionate. Passion involves emotions. Individuals will get passionate about something when they feel that they have a significant role to play in the task they are trying to complete. An effective Leader shows emotion in his or her own way, but more importantly, understands how to ignite enthusiasm in others.

Self-Awareness – A good leader is not only aware of their surroundings but also of themselves. They must constantly consider and work within their personal ethics; they must have a clear understanding of their values. They need to understand their own weaknesses and strengths. Most effective leaders have their personal lives in order; they take care of their minds and bodies.

Risk Taking – stepping into new, uncharted territory. Being comfortable leading into the unknown is being comfortable with taking risks. These risks vary: extreme cases, the leader may be risking physical danger. In business, it could mean significant financial losses or gains, and in high school it could mean risking popularity. An effective leader needs to be able to take these kinds of steps repeatedly.

Competency – A good leader’s skills and knowledge must be respected by those that they are leading. The leader of a team or group needs to have some knowledge in the area in which they are working. They do not have to be able to do every task that is assigned to their team nor do they necessarily need to be the best, but those whom they are leading must respect their skill and knowledge.

Promotion of a shared vision – Leaders give life to a vision while keeping others informed of and aligned around that vision. Know where you are headed and what the ultimate goal is for your team or group and make sure that everyone is involved, informed and aligned.

Learn from Success and Failure – Leaders are learners. Take what you learn and use it to teach others. Improve by winning and losing.

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