Leadership
Five effective traits of a leader
One of Korn Ferry's expert executive recruiters provides 5 traits that are consistently found in a great leader.
We sat down with one of our executive recruiters with over twenty years’ experience to learn how to spot the qualities of a good leader. Here is what they had to say:
Leadership traits are not one-size-fits-all; in fact, research shows that the best leaders tailor their leadership style to the situation. Some leadership characteristics, however, are consistent across the board. Leaders understand what needs to be done and motivate others to work towards a common goal. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best:
“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”
Across industries and experiences, a recent discussion among clients and leaders resulted in these five leadership traits:
1. Integrity: A good leader acts with fairness, honesty and commitment. A great leader also inspires others to embrace these qualities. Trust and respect go a very long way; if others see you as a role model, they will follow you. If they suspect that your motives are merely self-interested, they will be less inclined to back you. Be a generous mentor and commit to the success of each individual on your team.
2. Vision: To lead effectively, you need to define and share your vision. Effective leaders can see the big picture. Learn to communicate why you think the task at hand is important, and why each person’s job is crucial to the group’s long-term success. Set measurable goals and milestones. By articulating your passion – not only when things are going well, but also during times of difficulty– you’ll inspire dedication in others.
3. Self-Awareness: Knowing your strengths and addressing your weaknesses are crucial leadership traits. Be confident in the things you can do well and consider the areas where you need to improve. The best leaders admit and learn from their mistakes and aren’t afraid of being corrected. They know what others think of them and understand how they contribute to the organization as a whole.
4. Decisiveness: To state the obvious: good leaders simply aren’t afraid to lead. They make considered, confident decisions, and then they stand by the outcome. They analyze what steps are needed to reach their goals and stay the course, even when obstacles present themselves. Never be afraid to ask for others’ opinions or to seek the help you need, but don’t defer to peer pressure or act against your best judgment.
5. Collaboration: It’s difficult to lead a team to a common goal unless every team member is engaged. For this reason, great leaders must make their teams feel trusted, valued and supported. Listen to others and welcome their suggestions. Empower them to speak up and take risks. Encourage open and honest discussion and focus on effective conflict resolution.
There’s no such thing as a “natural leader” – leadership, like any other skill, is an acquired talent. Nurture these qualities, and you will inspire confidence, respect, and commitment in others.
To learn more, contact us today.
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