The Qualities of a Leader

When you think of a natural-born leader, what is the first image that comes to mind?

What qualities make up a leader?

Perhaps it’s a picturesque scene of  lush jungles and foliage, thousands of miles away, where a fearless Schwarzenegger-type action hero is courageously forging through explosions and enemy lines, guiding his platoon to safety. Or maybe the scene is set on a frost-bitten, professional football field in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. A bruised, beaten and battered defensive captain and his line dauntlessly repel a dramatic offensive surge in an attempt to hold onto victory. Images of profound and overwhelming heroic scenes seem to go hand-in-hand with the thought of being a leader or having a sense of leadership, which isn’t always the case.

When we take a closer look at the concept of leadership, we can see past the heroics and venturous circumstances, unveiling what it really is. Having leadership qualities means you can inspire and even influence others to work together to accomplish a task.

That being said, not everyone is meant to be a leader. There are certain traits that can help when one is leading:

• A Leader Listens

At Incept, we believe in a “listen before you lead” approach, and it makes sense. You cannot address and find a solution to a problem if you do not know what that problem is. When a leader listens to the circumstances of a situation he or she can then accurately find a relevant remedy to the issue at hand. Knowledge is power. It is also crucial in making and taking a first step towards solving a predicament.

• A Leader is Confident

A leader exhibits high levels of confidence. They have faith in their choices and colleagues. Showing confidence inspires confidence and reinforces everyone’s involved efforts for the best results.

• A Leader Keeps Calm

A leader knows that problems will often arise on the path to success. Everything does not always go accordingly to plan, and sometimes there are situations and circumstances that can get out of hand. A true leader remains calm in the face of utter confusion. They know that within chaos lies opportunity and the chance to prove their worth.

• A Leader Always Exhibits Their Best

No matter what the circumstance or task, a leader will always put their best foot forward. They understand that they are an example for the rest of their colleagues and live by the saying, “You reap what you sow.” Pushing for consistence in excellence brings forth the best results possible. A true leader will always be looking to improve, even when improvement seems impossible.

• A Leader Embraces a Constructive Sense of Humor

No one likes when someone comes off as authoritative to the point of almost being a dictator. A leader realizes the power of utilizing a good sense of humor. Having a sense of humor can bring out the best in their colleagues and can make a leader seem more approachable. It can defuse an uneasy situation and can also be the starting point of a productive conversation.

Being a leader is more than being the first to charge into battle. It’s more than being the person that tells everyone else what to do. It is being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. It is embracing responsibility as almost a lifestyle, built on character.

What are some qualities that you think a leader should have?

[Photo Credit: http://tradeshowinformer.wordpress.com]