Great leaders are not only identified as those individuals who automatically stand out in a crowd or those who hold positions of authority, prominence, status or power. Great leaders are also those exceptional persons who have been functioning in the capacity beyond what others can automatically see. They are those individuals who have the incredible ability to transfer their knowledge, experiences, skills, gifts, talents and resources to others who in turn take hold of what they have received and become leaders themselves. When these individuals who have been mentored become leaders and also create other leaders, the leadership and influence expands further for great leaders. Great leaders more importantly also fit the character traits listed in this article. There is a basis for where they stand and what they do. If you match the following description of great leaders below, congratulations! You are outstanding and amazing.
Here Are Five (5) Qualities Of Great Leaders:
1. Knowledgeable And Are Experts In Their Field:
Great leaders take the time to study their fields until becoming masters of them. They are excellent researchers, inventors and investors. They understand that there are governing laws and systems already in place that they need to follow and they follow them. Great leaders know it is absolutely necessary to fully understand these laws and systems that govern their operations in order for them to set the foundation for and carry out what they envision. They constantly search for new ideas, techniques and strategies. Learning and sharing what they know is a life long process. They encounter many obstacles along the way, but look at obstacles as opportunities to grow and become a much stronger force.
2. They Have Integrity:
Integrity in great leaders comprises of doing what is right regardless of the situation and consequences. It is one of the top attributes of great leaders and encapsulates principles, values, good judgement, fairness, consistency, commitment and honesty. Upholding integrity, great leaders are not exempt from failures and making mistakes. They are transparent about their flaws. They learn from their mistakes and failures and seek to continuously improve themselves.
3. Confident And Understanding:
Great leaders are not insecure and engulfed by low self-esteem. They are confident and have an incredible and admirable level of understanding. Such understanding can be seen in the great leaders’ compassionate nature, being sympathetic, sensitive, considerate, tender, kind, thoughtful, tolerant, patient, forbearing, lenient, merciful, forgiving, humane, approachable, supportive and perceptive. They understand that in life everyone faces challenges, everyone experiences loss, failures and disappointments. No matter what someone’s position is in life, everyone has to face challenges where they are and the more one attains in life the more responsibilities and trying situations they face. At the end of it all great leaders remain confident no matter what and finds enjoyment at every stage in life.
4. Visionaries And Purpose Driven:
The ability to project and plan for the future is an ability that great leaders have. It is divine and comes from being connected to their creator (God). They are mainly driven by purpose and strive to excel in their gifts or other words their calling. Great leaders will push on regardless of their feelings. They are not governed by their feelings. They base their decisions on principles, values and morals. Regardless of their current situations they will continue to move forward to what they envision their purpose and calling to be.
5. Altruistic And Compassionate:
Great leaders are often-time unselfish and compassionate. They hate to see others being taken advantage of. They fight for the right cause of others and often-time put others’ needs in front of theirs. They constantly share information that are benefiting to others. These great leaders have a very high level of sensitivity when dealing with others. Through their caring and compassionate nature, they are able to engender trust in others. The qualities of being altruistic and compassionate in great leaders is a necessary building block for today’s world. Such composition in leadership can break barriers for effective communication in any economic, political and social climate.
Written By: Iodelle A. Chinnery