These are the qualities all successful leaders have in common
They are self-aware and prioritize personal development.
Effective leaders focus on developing their emotional intelligence, Goode says. Leaders that work to refine this quality are more adaptive, resilient, and accepting of feedback from others. They are also effective listeners and open to change.
They focus on developing others.
This leadership quality builds on the principles of the situational leadership theory, which suggests that effective leaders adapt to whether an individual or group is ready, willing, and able to take specific action. Delegating, coaching, and mentoring are important tasks for situational leadership, Goode says.
They encourage strategic thinking, innovation, and action.
“As a leader, you have to look forward. You have to think about where the organization is going,” Goode says.
Leaders must consider internal organizational factors, such as product roadmaps and staffing needs, as well as external factors, including government regulations and technology advancement, when making strategic business decisions.
They are ethical and civic-minded.
Strong leaders consider the ethical consequences of the decisions that they make—for both their customers and their teams.
They practice effective cross-cultural communication.
Respected leaders are able to clearly communicate with individuals, business units, the entire company, and to stakeholders outside the organization.
