22 Qualities of a Good Leader

What is a Good Leader

It is easy to call yourself or anyone else a leader for that matter. What moves a person from being called a leader to embodying the qualities of a good leader? Are leaders born or can you become a leader? The following is a list of qualities of a good leader so you can answer these questions for yourself. Learn and embrace these qualities, and you can move from a good leader to a great leader. By taking the time to learn and embrace these qualities you can attain new heights and guide your team to success.

Qualities of a Good Leader

1. Confidence– Followers see leaders as having confidence. When a leader possesses confidence, followers also become assured. It is easier to have confidence when one is aware and seeks information. When mistakes are made, leaders do not allow problems to fester but rather take immediate action.
2. Character– Leaders connect with their followers and establish trust because they are honest and have integrity. Leaders are in a position of authority because their followers respect them. Leaders understand that they should treat their followers in a manner they desire for themselves. Leaders are honest in all interactions since they set the bar by leading by example. By establishing a high standard for themselves, they also set one for those they lead as followers are a reflection of the leader.
3. Motivational– Leaders are capable of inspiring and motivating followers by helping them see their vision. They help followers engage and participate throughout the process of goal attainment. During difficult periods, the leader’s inspiration can encourage followers to take action.
4. Passion– Leaders show their passion routinely. Passion is importance to work, sharing their knowledge and passion with any individual who will listen. This excitement gets others to believe in the leader’s vision. This passion gets the leader up in the morning and stay with them throughout the day providing them with energy. Passion allows leaders to overcome struggles.
5. Knowledgeable– Leaders take the time to learn about policies, procedures, and organizational culture. Leaders act responsibly when confronting difficult decisions using policies and procedures to their advantage.
6. Communication– Communication is at the root of leadership. Communication needs to be clear, consistent, and constant so the team understands the strategy, goals, and vision. When strategy, goals, or the vision is stuck in the leaders heads the team may be taking action that is actually counterproductive. Ultimately, a lack of communication may lead the team in two separate directions. The objective of effective communication from a leader is to unite the team, creating teamwork to move them to take action together to reach a common goal. As a leader, you are not only responsible for providing direction, but you also need to listen to the feedback from team members.
7. Ask Questions– Questions are the keys to opening doors. Leaders understand that it is important to ask questions and formulates ways to construct a question to get the most information from the answer. Questions help to unpeel the onion. There should be follow-up questions ready to discover the root answer.
8. Accountable– Leaders are accountable to their team members along with themselves. Since leaders are accountable, they monitor performance to ensure everyone is effective and standards are met and consistent. Monitoring situations allows leaders to adjust to problems, provide solutions quickly, and offer praise for great performance.
9. Witty-Witty banter can lead to stronger camaraderie with followers. Problems will arise and when they do you want o be upbeat and be able to make light of the situation. Stress and negativity breeds additional negativity. As a leader, you want the team to be productive and engaging with others. This means the leader should set the tone be being witty and demonstrating their sense of humor to keep things light and fresh.
10. Organize– Leaders are aware of their resources and can use these assets to their advantage because they have organizational skills. Organization prepares them to adapt to changes and arrive at innovative solutions.
11. Delegate– Leaders are busy and frequently act as a bottleneck or stopgap. This means much of the information goes through the leader. To alleviate the stress and show support, the leader must learn to delegate responsibilities. The key to delegation is to understand the strengths and interests of one’s followers. When a follower shows an interest in something, and they are capable of performing this function, the leader should delegate this role. The leader benefits by freeing up additional time to address more important concerns that may impact the team or performance.
12. Evaluate– Leaders monitor performance, especially after a goal is reached. They provide this feedback to others, so they can make changes as necessary. At the same time, leaders encourage and are open to feedback themselves, and they can conduct a personal evaluation to adjust in order to improve.
13. Dedication– Dedication to the team and performance breeds’ respect. Leaders work toward developing their personal brand understanding that it takes time to build this brand but only moments to destroy it. For this reason, leaders must routinely show they are consistent, fair, and the leader does what they say.
14. Focus-Leaders determine import and valuable tasks and learn to tune everything else out so they can have a laser focus. They utilize this focus to help their learn focus so that leaders and followers are in alignment with the vision. This focus can be critical during stressful periods as it helps followers get over the proverbial hump. Judgement of leaders occurs by what they achieve.
15. Happy-Leaders tend to have an infectious personality because they are positive. Happiness and positivity motivate followers, so they can get the best performance out of them. Happiness coincidences with optimism and believing in the team and oneself with a I can-do attitude. They are not quick to criticize, tear one down, or throw another under the bus.
16. Sixth Sense– There is no such thing as a sure thing. Leaders develop their intuition by remaining aware of their environment. Leaders are routinely responsible for making decisions even when there is a lack of certainty. They must call upon all skills and insights when developing a strategic approach.
17. Conflict Resolution– Leaders face challenges continually and therefore, must remain calm and keep their wits about the so they can think clearly. Conflict resolution is an asset of a good leader. Leaders understand they can learn from each perspective and by combining solutions, one may find the best solution.
18. Flexible– An effective leader is a chameleon who adapts to their environment and is willing to change or create change. They have an open mind and consider all alternatives before making rash decisions frequently using the resources that are at their disposal. During times of change, leaders must be calm focusing on the vision, mission, and goals.
19. Anticipate– Leaders forecast the changes to the weather, thinking ahead of everyone else so they can provide direction. They develop a strategic solution to problems and adapt as situations change. They are the catalyst for action.
20. Innovative– Situations do not always afford one the luxury of time and quick decisions need to be made. Leaders need to think outside of the box. They understand the strengths within the team and can leverage these abilities to come up with innovative solutions to problems.
21. Empathetic– Leaders support their teams. Leaders look forward to recognizing followers in public to highlight their performance. On the other hand, leaders reserve criticism for private. Leaders try to avoid giving negative performance any attention.
22. Team Builder– Leaders evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their teams and find new members that will strengthen the team by increasing their strengths or improving upon a weakness. Additionally, the leader finds a way to unite the team to increase the bond so members feel supported.

Definition of a Good Leader Conclusion

This list of 22 qualities of a good leader is not in any particular order. To be a good leader one does not even need all 22 qualities. However, the more of these qualities a leader possesses the more likely they will experience struggles as they prepare them to overcome the struggles leaders encounter.