Eight qualities that make a good leader
The world is full of some amazing leaders and some not-so-amazing leaders. We look up to incredible youth activists like Malala Yousafzai and visionary entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, but we also rely on people in our daily lives to empower and lead us. But what are the qualities that make a leader good or not? Here’s my non-comprehensive take on what makes a good leader.
1. Good leaders are passionate
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist & political activist
One quality that all leaders have in common is their passion for their cause. However, finding something that you are truly passionate about is not necessarily an easy task. One way to find things that you are passionate about is to explore a wide variety of causes and organizations through volunteering. Volunteering can also expose you to leadership roles and teach you how to handle challenging situations and manage relationships.
2. Leaders know how to work
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” —Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States of America
Being good at anything takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Dedication comes from passion, but productivity and work ethic require time management and self-awareness. To maximize your productivity, you need to know how you work and learn best. This means finding out what routines help you to be the most efficient and what way of organizing your life helps you to stay focused.
3. Leaders know the power of the personal network
“If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who has already been there.” —Robert Kiyosaki, American businessman and author
Every leader needs a good support network and at least one mentor. Build your support network by connecting with a diverse network of friends and acquaintances, as you never know when you’ll need someone or what you’ll be able to do for someone. Find mentors that empower you to act by reaching out to other leaders in your sphere, and observe what makes them great leaders.
4. A leader is never done learning
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and president of South Africa (1994 to 1999)
Curiosity is a wonderful tool for causing change. Educate yourself on everything you can, all the time. This doesn’t mean you should sit inside and read the classics all day — education comes in all forms. Learn from your peers and mentors, stay up to date with current events and technologies, attend leadership conferences and take online courses on diverse topics, pick up a new language or instrument, learn to dance, and never stop challenging yourself intellectually.
5. Effective leaders have a high EQ
“The mark of a good conversationalist, is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozers are good listeners, not good talkers.” —Guy Kawasaki, American marketing specialist, author, and Silicon Valley venture capitalist
Having strong communication skills is essential for being a strong leader, and having a high Emotional Quotient (EQ) can contribute to having strong communication skills. Having a high EQ usually means that you can communicate well nonverbally and can interpret body language well. In fact, UCLA professor Albert Mehrabian claims that at least 55 per cent of communication is through body language, while 38 per cent is through tone of voice, and only 7 per cent is through actual word choice. Communication skills are critical for leadership because you need to have strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues, superiors, and employees in order for them to respect you and engage with you.
6. Good leaders lead by example
“You reinforce the behaviors that you reward. If you reward candor, you’ll get it.” —Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric
In order to reinforce a culture of mutual respect and productivity, leaders tend to embody the traits they promote. Leaders take the initiative, they accept the consequences of their decisions, and they put the needs of their team above their own. Good leaders also don’t let their egos get in the way of their decision-making. As a result, they expect the same of the people around them.
7. Good leaders are confident, ambitious, and optimistic
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” —Muhammad Ali, American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist
It takes a lot of confidence to follow through on your goals, and it takes a lot of ambition to aim high enough to make a difference. And of course, having a healthy sense of optimism is essential for seeing obstacles as opportunities to learn.
8. Leaders know how to chill
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.” —Charles Buxton, English brewer, philanthropist, and member of Parliament
Finally, good leaders usually have that thing we all know of as “work-life balance,” but this balance looks different for everyone. People who schedule time for personal activities may actually be more productive and happier, which will make everything easier in the long-run. There will always be time to build an incredible career and to enjoy the moment you’re in.
When it comes down to it, good leaders are those who have spent the time building respect and credibility in their sphere. To be a good leader, speak your mind respectfully and lead with confidence and empathy. And remember, if you don’t get a chance to speak or lead, create opportunities for yourself.
Images obtained via Wikimedia Commons