Leadership: Eight Important Qualities

A top-appointed manager is not always a leader, and a leader does not necessarily occupy a leadership position. But the leader often knows how to combine different (formal and informal) management tools, motivate employees to perform tasks, and achieve results.

Modern Models of Leadership

The basis of leadership is the successful combination of formal (manager) and informal (leader) ways of managing a team to achieve goals. Let’s take three modern models of leadership (in fact, there are many more leadership concepts and models):

1. Attributive leadership: the leader monitors the actions of subordinates and decides, based on their observations, how best to build a relationship with each subordinate. The attitudes of subordinates also influence the leader.
2. Charismatic leadership: influence is built on the leader’s personal qualities (charisma) and his management style.
3. Transformational leadership: the leader can combine the subordinates’ personal goals with the company’s goals. In this model, the leader encourages employees to develop, raises their consciousness, and convinces them of the importance of common goals.

The charismatic and transformational leadership concepts are more interesting: they include a “classical” leader – a charming person with abilities and high motivation. It is the kind of person who can enthuse his subordinates. What qualities should he have?

Leadership Qualities

Let’s look at eight qualities without which you will not become a true leader. Most of them can be developed – independently or on a course in a business school.

Emotional intelligence

A leader must see and correctly interpret colleagues’ and subordinates’ emotions, motivations, and intentions. Developed emotional intelligence, as one of the flexible skills, helps to manage own and others’ emotions.

High level of motivation

A leader does not need external stimuli. He is proactive, does his job better than others, and his energy is enough to motivate others. High self-motivation is a sign of leadership.

Self-confidence and optimism

He does not flaunt his weaknesses, assesses reality objectively, and is self-confident. Difficulties only fuel his interest in his work.

Professionalism and Responsibility

A leader takes responsibility for the result, doesn’t pass it on to subordinates, is always involved in the process, and comes to the employees’ aid if there are problems. He sees the business as a system and influences the energy of the whole company. 

Authority 

A leader has unquestionable working authority. Authority is based on moral and professional qualities and has been earned over many years. An effective leader observes cleanliness in business. He is a good specialist, disciplined, fair to colleagues, and balanced in communication.

Personal Effectiveness

A leader is characterized by efficiency. The personal effectiveness of an executive is the basis of the performance of his subordinates. Assets of success: time management, ability to plan his work, knowledge of the subject area, ability to set tasks, and control the employees’ work. 

Negotiation Skills

A leader knows how to negotiate: with management, colleagues from other departments, subordinates, and counterparties. And each “type” of opponent requires a different negotiation strategy – all have different motivations. 

Charisma and the ability to build communications 

CMA consulting claims that charismatic managers know how to communicate with colleagues, and they achieve results faster than others, with less effort.

What to Remember About Leadership?

• In any company, there are formal and informal relationships between employees.
• The leader is not always the team’s leader, and the leader does not necessarily hold a leadership position. But it is the leader who often gets good results.
• The basis of leadership is the proper use of formal and informal tools to achieve goals. 
• A true leader must have a set of valuable qualities, be productive, and understand the motives and intentions of others. Personal effectiveness, professionalism, and authority are important.
• Leadership only works with self-motivation, confidence in one’s abilities, and the ability to communicate and negotiate.