Characteristics of a Good Leader

Characteristics & Qualities of a Good Leader

• Integrity is essential for both individuals and organizations, especially top-level executives.
• Delegation is a core responsibility of a leader. To be effective, trust must be built with the team.
• Effective communication is vital for leadership. Leaders must be able to communicate in various ways and listen to a diverse range of individuals.
• Self-awareness is crucial for leadership. Leaders should understand their own strengths and weaknesses and how they are perceived by others.
• Gratitude is essential for leadership. Leaders should express gratitude to their team members, as it can lead to increased motivation and job satisfaction.
• Effective Time Management is a key leadership trait. Leaders who manage their time well are able to delegate effectively and empower their team members.
• Strong Work Ethics are essential for leaders. They should value hard work and believe in the importance of their group tasks.

Leadership Motives

• Power Motive: Leaders want to influence others and are driven to exert power.
  • Personalized Power Motive: Leaders with this motive seek power for personal gain and status.
  • Socialized Power Motive: Leaders with this motive seek power to achieve organizational goals and benefit their team.
• Drive & Achievement Motive: Leaders are driven to achieve goals and take responsibility for their success or failure.
• Tenacity: Effective leaders are persistent and determined in achieving their goals.

Complexities of Leadership

• Shared leadership practices, leaders' personality composition and work complexity all influence team performance.
• Effective leadership requires adapting to a changing business environment.
• Leaders must engage in pro-social behaviors and continuous self-development to be successful in complex organizations.

Measures of Success and Failure

• Servant leaders focus on the needs of others and are humble and motivating.
• Leaders inspire and influence others with their ideas, energy, and passion, while bosses manage through positional power.
• Team cohesion is vital for success. Leaders who encourage open debate and support team decisions are more likely to achieve alignment.
• Motivated individuals are easier to lead than those who are not. Leaders should create an environment that encourages and challenges their team members.
• Adaptability is essential for leadership. Leaders should be able to adjust their style based on the situation.
• Leaders measure their success through results: financial, skill improvement, and influencing others.
• Conflict can be a learning opportunity. Leaders should encourage open and respectful communication to resolve conflict effectively.

Effective Leadership Behaviours and Attitudes

• Positive Communication: Leaders set the tone for their team through their communication, focusing on encouragement and positive reinforcement.
• Gratitude: Leaders who express gratitude to their team members build trust and respect.
• Unite the Team: Leaders actively prevent gossip and petty conflicts to foster a positive workplace.
• Empower & Develop: Successful leaders share their knowledge and empower their team members to grow their leadership and professional skills.
• Take Responsibility: Leaders take ownership of both successes and failures.
• Show Empathy: Leaders demonstrate emotional intelligence and strive to understand the perspectives of their team members.