What are the Qualities of a Good Leader?

There are many researches, theories and philosophies about the importance of leadership in organizations.

The qualities of good team leaders are invaluable since they actually run/control the organization – Leaders in organization are those who set directions/goals and influence employees to work for a common goal and follow their directions.

This leads us to two questions about leadership: “Is it a born skill? How one recognizes the qualities of good leaders?”

You can find many differences in opinions as to whether leaders can be created in class rooms. However, identifying leadership behaviors in employees & managers is more practical.
This article will not address the issue whether or not leaders are born to lead, but focuses on classifying some qualities imperative to good/positive leader.

A note: these questions can be asked in interviews for managers, team leaders,   company leaders and executives.

What makes a good leader? 14 qualities a good leader should have?

Here are the qualities:

1. Visionary: A leader is a visionary. She should have the ability to foresee potential opportunities. She knows the importance of thinking differently keeping the larger picture in view. She knows how to motivate his followers to work towards a common goal.
2. Decisiveness: A leader may have a team of people to advice her on things but the final decision is for her to make. If she has the proper knowledge and self-confidence, taking decisions should not be hard.
3. Confidence in own abilities: A leader’s important attribute is trust in her own leadership capabilities. There will be many out there to pull her down and in those times it is her confidence in herself that see her through.
4. Optimistic/Positive attitude: Everybody makes mistakes but a leader learns from them and moves on. A leader is positive and has a constructive bent of mind. He she knows there is no point on dwelling on the failures and how to make the best of a situation.
5. Team spirit: Helps create camaraderie among the members of the group. She herself not just projects but rather feels a part of the team and not really ‘superior’ to the rest. A leader knows how to lead whilst maintaining friendship and bonding between herself and the team members.
6. Understanding of the business: She does not have to know the answer to every question neither all the details but a leader must have a firm grasp on the business or the cause.
7. Express gratitude: Appreciating and thanking the subordinates for their good work and cooperation is a huge quality. Appreciation keeps the person going. It tells them they are doing the right thing.
8. Humility: Arrogance in a leader is completely unwarranted and unappreciated. No one likes to be lead by a person with an inflated ego.
9. Walk the talk: A leader acts as an idol for her followers. She does what she preaches. And her personal and public life are an example of that.
10. Gives due credit: Giving credit where it belongs displays integrity and generates loyalty and respect from followers. It also sets an example for others.
11. Intelligent: There is no underestimating intelligence. Intelligence will take a person especially a leader places. And in turn benefits her people too.
12. Compassionate: A leader must demonstrate compassion and empathy for her people when it is due. This is something that makes others want to follow her.
13. Success: A good leader brings success for his subordinates. He/she gives direction to the efforts and the endeavors of people. She is knowledgeable and committed to fulfilling her deadlines.
14. Welfare of people: The general well-being of the people who follow her will be any real leader’s priority. She knows that the people are her real strength. Be good and true to the people and they will be good to you.