These 12 Vital Leader Qualities Will Help You Succeed

One of the essential skills for professionals is leadership. So, what counts as responsible leadership qualities? 

Top leadership and management expert Terry St. Marie says that great leaders have a set of instincts that go beyond premeditation or deliberate choice. St. Marie goes on to say that a leader acts without thinking about it and in ways that are as natural as breathing.

But so far as the idea of the “natural-born leader” is concerned, whether it is a case of nature or nurture, what rings true is this: becoming an effective leader is all about bringing together a complex set of skills that work hand in hand.

Do you have what it takes? Below is our list of leadership qualities. 

What are the 12 essential leadership traits?

1. Respect

Respect for oneself and others regardless of status or position is an essential quality. You need to treat every person with dignity and respect.  

Respect shows in social manners, politeness, courtesy, and civility – like using simple words and phrases such as “Please” and “Thank you” with a sincerity that people can feel. It also means recognizing the inherent value and dignity of people. Respecting others goes a long way in building lasting professional and personal relationships. It also helps to create an environment of trust and harmony in the workplace. 

2. Humility

According to management expert Ken Blanchard, “People with humility do not think less of themselves; they think about themselves less.”

Humility goes hand in hand with respect. Thinking of oneself as better or more important than others is not constructive. Confidence is a strength, but you should also appreciate and think of others more. 

Like respect, humility is foundational to being a good leader. Nobody wants to follow or work with someone who is too full of himself or looks down on others as less.

3. Generosity

To be giving rather than selfish is another leadership quality. It is about being willing to devote time, energy, effort, and patience. It may mean helping out someone or covering for a sick fellow worker. Giving more than what is required also inspires others to do the same. 

For natural-born leaders, it is part of their character to be giving and generous. People at work easily gravitate towards one who sincerely gives without expecting anything in return. 

4. Empathy

Another leadership trait is empathy, which is putting yourself in the shoes of others, including your boss, subordinates, and colleagues. It means listening attentively to people and what they are trying to communicate. 

If you can know more about other people and where they are coming from, you are more capable of effectively leading them. Otherwise, there is a disconnect between you and the people you lead. 

On the other hand, if they know you can relate to them, there is greater trust and connection. 

5. Consideration

Along with having empathy and thinking of others, being considerate is one of the responsible leadership qualities. Being a leader means bringing out the best in other people while having a genuine concern for their welfare, situation, and personal opinion. 

In the context of the pandemic, this was one of the leadership traits that mattered the most. It was not just about performance and production. Self-care and work-life balance are also essential to consider as a leader. You want people to be happy, healthy, and thus more productive.

6. Courage

Sometimes you need to take risks, make bold moves, and step forward as a leader. The Greek philosopher Aristotle held courage as the first and foremost virtue. It makes the other virtues possible. With courage, you act. The great leaders were courageous leaders who made difficult decisions and took necessary risks to succeed. 

People around you can see this. It can inspire and empower them to act and follow your lead. Along with knowledge, capability, and wisdom, a leader cannot perform well and motivate others without courage. 

7. Compassion

Tibetan scholar Thupten Jinpa once defined compassion as “a mental state endowed with a sense of concern for the suffering of others and aspiration to see that suffering relieved.” 

Compassion is similar and closely related to earlier empathy, consideration, and respect. It means you are sincerely concerned about the health, safety, and well-being of your fellow employees, bosses, and subordinates. You do not wish others to suffer and would like to help alleviate it for them.

If someone calls in sick, you are concerned about the person’s condition and if he is getting proper medical attention. If someone lags or has a problem performing duties at the office, you find out what is going on. Know what the person is going through and how to help that person. 

8. Integrity

Whether alone or with others, do what you know is right and good. Your commitment and will to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances, is integrity. Those with integrity are incorruptible. They cannot break the trust of those who believe in them and have confided in them. 

In the long run, no matter how much you know, the real foundation of character is built on integrity. Without integrity, there is no real success or prosperity. 

9. Contrition

It is not easy to admit mistakes, much less apologize for them. A leader who can admit his mistakes and learn from them, apologize, and try not to repeat them – is highly respected, inspiring, and motivational. Take responsibility for the error and do better. Others will believe and follow. 

10. Being proactive

Being proactive is another leadership quality. While it is also a skill that you can acquire, it is a trait that may come naturally. A leader sees far ahead and anticipates possible scenarios and problems to prepare well for them. There is less loss incurred or damage done to the company and its people. 

Being proactive also means having initiative and taking the first bold step. It also has to do with your mental attitude in dealing with things. 

11. Leads by example 

Whether it is coming to work on time or setting a standard, a leader must set a good example so as to inspire and motivate team members and co-workers to do the same.

12. Able to communicate

Communication skills are usually at the top of skills lists for professionals. But apart from being a transferable skill, being able to listen and connect with others goes hand in hand with empathy.

The other side of it has to do with expressing your thoughts and ideas. Of course, it helps to have a solid education in language and writing. However, it all begins with how you think, discern, and differentiate ideas and things.

In a way, communicating is a mix of innate and acquired qualities. It takes a keen sense to perceive what others are trying to say. At the same time, you need awareness, clarity, and confidence to express yourself effectively. Leaders overcome barriers to communication by combining their instinct with what they have learned through time. 

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Finally, check out our Career Resources page for more tips to guide you in developing your leadership traits.