Leadership for non-leaders - Leadership Qualities

In the conversation starter on leadership last week, I listed names of people who seem to be widely recognised as leaders and there was no push back on those, so I am assuming that there is general agreement.

Now, what makes these people leaders? What skills or attributes do they display as leaders? Google provided extensive lists on the 5, 17, 21 most important leadership qualities. Supported by articles, research and notable authors. Similar to the list of leaders, I was not surprised at the number of qualities a leader is expected to display. What surprised me was the number range of the MOST important qualities - anywhere between 5 and 21 were deemed the MOST important. As I look through the list below, I note that some are similar like passionate and enthusiastic, grateful and humble, so different people could be using similar terminology to convey comparable messages. The one that is not on the list and that probably should be is - assertive. Granted, I might have overlooked it. And there is one curve ball.

Authentic is the one that stands out for me, because so many of the other attributes and qualities are impacted by this. Most people can recognise an authentic person; and most people will trust, follow and believe someone who is authentic.

Which leadership quality stands out for you and why?

With few exceptions, the majority of these skills and qualities are listed as adjectives. Why is that important? A nominalisation makes ‘doing’ and ‘behaving’ a static concept. What I mean by that is when someone says “you need to show more respect/motivation/responsibility”, I have hardly ever seen anybody pull out a piece of respect/motivation/responsibility and say “here is more of that”. If you have seen any of them, can you please email me a picture? However, I have seen people act respectfully towards others, motivate colleagues and be responsible for their deeds. And it is the actions that speak.

As I look at these MOST important leadership qualities, I am amazed at how uncomplicated many of them actually are. Are not many of us dependable as friends, colleagues and family members? Are not most of us responsible in some shape or form to something or someone. Do we not strive to be just and fair because we also want to be treated justly and fairly? And in our day-to-day lives are we not continuous learners - consciously and sub-consciously? Of course, leaders are visionary, that’s what sets them apart, someone will argue. But isn’t everyone? Do you not have a vision for your life, your career, your children, your next holiday?

How many of these leadership qualities do you really not have?

If any or some of these qualities call out to you and you want to explore how to identify and define your unique leadership style, send me a message.

Looking forward to your comments below.