What are the Traits of a "Great" Leader?

Anyone can call themselves a leader, but great leaders earn the title through their actions and accomplishments. These are the people who lead with integrity, inspire others to achieve more than they thought possible, and encourage everyone to do right by themselves and the world around them. So What Are the Traits of a "Great" Leader?
"Great" leaders aren't perfect, but their accomplishments set them apart. Below are the traits we've found, time and time again, that make all the difference. We've also included skills to develop these traits in yourself—so you can become one of those great leaders.
So What Are the Traits of a "Great" Leader?
Great leader knows what they're good at, and they know what they're not good at. When they don't feel confident about their abilities to lead, they'll tell you. Now let's dive in:
1. A Great Leader Communicates Openly and Honestly
It's easy to feel that you have to perform the skills of a leader if you're a leader, but if you aren't sure about your abilities, it's best, to be honest about that instead. Being upfront about it shows that you are confident enough in your team to allow them to do their jobs well without the pressure of having a leader who doesn't let others shine.
And in today's workplace, where ideas and collaboration rule, it's a vital trait for leaders. The best leaders are open and honest, and they look for opportunities to share the good news with their colleagues. The right way to share about successes is to acknowledge that it took a team to achieve them. The wrong way is to take all the credit yourself.
2. A Great Leader Is a Good Communicator
When you communicate openly and honestly, you show your team that you're open to their ideas and willing to listen. Great leaders are able to inspire, encourage, and motivate the people they work with. And they're sincere in their efforts to do so.
The key to a great communicator is softening the blow when it's not going well. The best leaders listen and then either ask for what they need or help them find an answer. Great leaders are quick to listen and slow to speak.
They pause before answering a question and take their time finding the right words. They don't use phrases like "honestly," "frankly," or "to be honest. " They just speak honestly.
3. A Great Leader Is Resourceful
When faced with a challenge or problem, the best leaders focus on the goals, come up with a plan to pursue them, and execute the plan. If it doesn't work, they try something else until they find something that works. Great leaders are resourceful, and they're able to take on a challenge and find a solution.
Most leaders like to plan and work things out way in advance. But when the ground shifts quickly, you need a flexible, resourceful, and proven adaptable leader. When things get tough, they "roll with the punches" and get back to doing what they do best.
4. A Great Leader Is Open to Their Team's Ideas
Being open to ideas is a vital trait of a great leader. Leaders who know what they need and are willing to admit it also know that they can't work alone. Great leaders don't try to do everything themselves.
When leaders are too opinionated, their team can feel shut out. It's not just the boss who has ideas. The best leaders gather input from their people, and they're willing to change their own minds if a terrific idea comes along.
5. A Great Leader Is Tough—But Fair
Leadership isn't for everyone. It's a continual balancing act between getting the job done and treating people with care, thoughtfulness, and respect. Being tough doesn't mean being mean or abusive; it means giving your team direction and holding them accountable to high standards.
Leaders have to be tough, especially in business. But there's a line between toughness and cruelty. Great leader treats their people with respect, and they support and encourage them to achieve their full potential.
6. A Great Leader Is Resilient
A great leader is able to anticipate obstacles and is never easily discouraged. Great leaders are practical and, in their decision-making, can look ahead rather than simply react to what's happening in front of them.
A good leader can work through tough situations when the going gets rough. Resilient leaders get back up, dust themselves off, and keep going. They don't hide behind excuses. We've all worked with leaders who blame others or external factors when things turn out less than they hoped. Great leaders accept responsibility and make the right changes to deliver better results.
7. A Great Leader Takes a Stand for Something
Great leaders show their people that they believe in something bigger than themselves. The best leaders are committed to something greater than just the next paycheck. They share visions and a future for their team or organization that makes them feel powerful, fulfilled, and excited.
When you can't be in the room for meetings, read the notes, or get your hands on important files, you want a leader who is unafraid of the spotlight. A great leader stands up for something—whatever it takes to keep the organization running smoothly.
8. A Great Leader Is Realistic
Successful leaders aren't just the smartest person in the room or those who get along best with people. Great leaders are the ones who are realistic about the situation, the work that needs to be done, and what can go wrong.
What do you think is the best way to motivate your team? Are they ready to give their all? Great leaders don't sugarcoat anything. They're really that anything worth doing takes time and energy. They keep the big picture in mind and remind people of their long-term goals.
9. A Great Leader Is a Good Decision-Maker
The right choices can make all the difference between success and failure at the right time. Great leaders know when to say yes and when to say no, and they are able to make sound decisions based on solid information.
Great leaders make quick work of tough decisions. They trust their gut instincts and stick with their plans. They don't second-guess themselves or overanalyze. Their inner compass is strong, and they know when they need to pivot or take action quickly.
A good leader chooses their words carefully and listens to all available information before making a decision. They know that decisions need to be made quickly, but they don't rush. They play "what if" with all the possible scenarios, making their call.
10. A Great Leader Is Fair-Minded
Leaders are people too, and they're able to stay focused on what's important: the team and their work. They're willing to admit when they've made a mistake, and they don't let that mistake hold them back.
Great leaders are fair-minded and have a deep understanding of human nature. They know they can't treat people the same way all the time, and they make sure that everything they do is fair.
11. Great leaders don't look at things as a competition.
Great leaders know that everyone is different, and they respect what's best for all their people. They know that taking an "us versus them" approach can lead to bad feelings and dysfunction. Great leaders realize that people aren't all the same when it's all about the numbers. But they can still see a way to ensure teamwork and collaboration.
They're committed to treating everyone fairly and equitably, but they understand that everyone is different. Great leaders don't play favorites or keep score. They make sure everyone is given a fair chance, and they're impartial when it comes to handing out rewards.
"Those who have the privilege of knowing great leaders will always be grateful and look up to them with admiration—and eventually, grateful respect.
12. A Great Leader Understands Teamwork
Great leaders know that teamwork is essential to positive company culture. They understand their team and their roles, and they encourage their people to work together—and have fun together—to get the job done. They take every opportunity to celebrate their team's hard work, successes, and achievements.
Great leaders get the most out of their teams by sharing their vision and holding people accountable for their roles and responsibilities. Great leaders know that you can't do everything alone, so they work to ensure that their team does their part as well. Great leaders work to ensure that people understand their roles, and they're eager to share power and credit with the people who do the best work. They encourage teamwork and support, which makes their team a lot more fun to be part of.
13. A Great Leader Addresses Mistakes and Issues Head-On
Great leaders are transparent and comfortable addressing mistakes and issues head-on. Great leaders know that mistakes happen, and they don't shy away from issues that need to be addressed. They know what's best for their team, and they're quick to point out when things aren't working. But they also realize when they can work with people and make things better.
Great leaders learn to resolve issues and make things right without making waves. Instead, they work with team members to get the job done. As a leader, you're ultimately responsible for your team's well-being, and it can be easy to overreact to mistakes or issues.
14. Great Leaders Recognize and Reward Great Work
Great leaders know that great work is hard to come by. They're open to recognizing and rewarding it, which encourages their team to do more of it and make a difference. Great leaders instill the confidence that they can always do better within their teams.
Great leaders take the time to recognize and appreciate people for the things they do well. They share the spotlight with their team, and they make sure that everyone feels supported, included, and recognized for their hard work. They make people feel proud to be on the team and remind them what's important.
15. Great Leaders are confident.
Great leaders know that they don't have all the answers, but they trust their instincts and their team. They're confident in their choices, stand behind their decisions, and never blame others for their mistakes. Instead of making excuses, they take ownership of everything that happens on the team. They don't cower when things get tough—they rally.
Great leaders know that they don't have all the answers. Instead, they trust their intuition and let the team decide on their next move. Great leaders stand behind their decisions, but they're confident in the decisions that are made. They're decisive, and they never blame others for their mistakes or bad decisions. Instead, they work to ensure that things are done correctly from that moment forward.
16. Great Leaders Are Passionate
Great leaders are passionate about their work, and they're fired up and excited to be part of the team. They're always looking to figure out how they can do a better job than they've ever done before. They're willing to take risks and put themselves out there, even when they're unsure what will happen.
Great leaders are self-aware, and they recognize their strengths and weaknesses. They know their skills, and they use them to their advantage. They're passionate about their team and the opportunity to continue to grow.
17. Great Leaders are authentic
Great leaders are authentic and can make decisions without considering how those decisions will affect them. They're open to transparency, and they always speak up when something needs to be said.
How to Become a "Great" Leader?
So, how do you become a great leader? Here are some things you can do:
- Go above and beyond to complete projects and assignments. Your actions speak as loud as your words, so let your actions be an example.
- Be committed to making the workplace a better place to work. Commit yourself to your work and ask those around you to do the same.
- Acknowledge and reward employee achievements. It will boost morale for all involved.
- Set goals that are realistic. If a goal is not attainable, your staff may lose confidence in their abilities across the board.
- Be honest and accountable. Be as straightforward as possible with your team and listen to their ideas and suggestions.
- Acknowledge others' work. Doing so will set the example that work is more important than play, and it will help build a culture of teamwork.
- Appreciate your team. Go out of your way to show them the impact their work creates.
- Encourage others and reward each other. It will help develop a sense of teamwork.
- Encourage creative thinking. If you want to be a great leader, you must be creative. Creativity allows for new ideas and innovations to better the workplace.
- Use power wisely. Be cognizant of how much power you hold over your team and use it to create a positive work environment.
- Give constructive criticism. Keep the criticism specific to the event rather than making accusations or using generalizations.
Final Words:
Leading techniques may not be able to transform an individual into a great leader; however, some underlying leadership abilities will. Great leaders are those who have the ability to give their authority and set clear goals for their team members. This ability is what makes a leader stand out from any other individual.
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Written and Published By The Strategic Advisor Board Team
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