To be a great leader, it is imperative that you understand that not all leaders, famous or not, are “great.” Some of them are not good people. To be a leader who is remembered for good, try to match these characteristics of a great leader by building that skill for yourself.
Leadership Characteristics Of A Great Leader
Full of Integrity – While there are leaders who are not honest, transparent or any of this, they are not great leaders. Dictators, while talented at getting their followers to follow orders, is not someone who should be a leader. True leaders are honest, forthright, and make choices based on their values and morals.
Inspirational and Visionary – Leaders who have amazing followers and fans who essentially do whatever the leader says is inspirational and has a vision for the future that the followers and fans understand and want.
Is Committed – When a leader decides to do something, they go at it with passion and do not let go until they have finished, whatever it is. It is not that they will stick to a bad cause, but they will see things through.
Awesome Communicator – Communication is a two-way street; however, what successful leaders know is that they are responsible for their message. They tend to make sure they change the words they use to fit the audience to ensure they get the right message as intended.
Above Average Decision-Making Skills – A leader does not make all decisions themselves, but they do talk to the people who know information that will affect the choice. Once they gather the data, they are good at matching their vision with the actions it takes.
Takes Less Credit & More Blame – Anyone who wants to be a fantastic leader cannot become a boastful loudmouth taking all the credit and none of the blame for their choices and decisions. If you picked the team and something went wrong, it will behoove a great leader to take the responsibility.
Master Delegator – No one can do everything well. The truth is, you have some things you are good at and some that you are not. A great leader recognizes that and finds the right people to delegate to and knows how to do it effectively.
Knows How to Connect to Others – A great leader is very empathetic to their followers. They listen to them and are open to hearing critique as much as they are praised.
Being a successful leader that is also a good person takes effort as well as a willingness to get to know yourself deeply. The truth is, the more you work on yourself as you become a better version of yourself, you will naturally become a better leader if that is your desire.
Wikipedia on Leadership.
More about Al Rodee.