Are leaders born or made? Either way, there are certain traits a person should have to be considered a leader. This article discusses some of the characteristics people look for in a person before they can follow them as leaders. Here are 7 leadership qualities that can help you become a great leader.
Self-confidence and Belief
Confidence is probably the most important trait. Without confidence and belief, other leadership qualities will not count. If you doubt yourself and can’t stand your ground when faced with difficult challenges, then it will be hard for other people to follow you as a leader. Positive incantations and affirmations towards oneself can help a person start believing in themselves and what they stand for.
Self-mastery and Self Awareness
A leader should always be in control of their thoughts and feelings. These qualities will come in handy during a confrontation, whether it is at the workplace or in other areas of one’s life. As a leader, people will look up to you to solve problems.
Controlled breathing can help one master their mind and handle different situations in the right way. Without this control, one will most likely get overwhelmed by all the pressure being exacted on them.
Patience
Another quality that a leader should possess is patience. Leaders are always under pressure from their followers. Each one of your followers will have different views over different situations and will not be afraid to speak their minds most of the time.
Patience helps you maintain focus even when faced with the most difficult challenges. Patience also helps you understand other people’s feelings and how to approach different situations.
Attentiveness
Being able to attentively listen to your team helps you understand their perspective towards different situations. People are also likely to listen to you and what you have to say when they realize that you do listen to their pleas. You will find it a lot easier to influence your team after you have learned what they need.
Integrity
Integrity goes a long way in helping keep up your position as a leader. People want to follow a person who works for the overall good of the team and not just themselves. Integrity builds trust and it will only be a matter of time before everyone listens and adheres to all the rules you set. Leaders make decisions quickly and change slowly.
Initiator
Leadership is all about decision-making for the overall wellness of the team. Most of these decisions will be made based on intuition. A great leader should be able to take initiative when it comes to decision-making to avoid losing great opportunities.
Power of Influence
A great leader should develop the ability to move people into taking action. This power however should not be used the wrong way. The ability to control people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions should not be misused. People can sense one’s motives as a leader and might not respond well to their requests.
Most leadership qualities are naturally present in certain individuals. However, some might require more time and help before they realized their full potential.
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