6 Characteristics of a Great Leader

One of the hallmarks of a positive workplace culture is that it welcomes and encourages leadership. This holds true not only for those individuals in the corner office, but throughout the workforce. With that in mind, it’s important to find and nurture people with leadership qualities wherever you notice them. Read on to learn the characteristics of someone who displays this tendency. By offering some mentoring and opportunities to guide others, you can assist these individuals to grow their skills. 
 
Curiosity 
 
People with leadership potential are exceedingly curious. They’re eager to learn and develop their expertise. Typically, they understand that progressing in their career requires a level of inquisitiveness to find out what information they’re missing and how they can do their job better. And, curious employees take their study a step further by investing in research and being open to the ideas of others. 
 
This investment in themselves and the company demonstrates a passion and energy that can readily rub off on their colleagues. The inspiration and synergy that results can give the office culture a real boost.  
 
Humility 
 
Closely related to curiosity is humility. Staff members with leadership potential tend to be very humble about their own competencies and accomplishments. This self-effacing inclination has the effect of making others comfortable in their presence. Humble people interact with everyone as equals. Thus, co-workers are more ready to follow their lead and even emulate their behavior. 
 
Humility also involves asking others for their suggestions and being brave enough to appear vulnerable. There’s a recognition that you don’t know everything and you have much to learn from other individuals. It means that you realize that you have some blind spots, just like everyone else, and are willing to improve. Such a stance helps to build a solid working culture. 
 
Empathy 
 
An employee with leadership smarts is one who is genuinely interested in other people. They seek to understand the life experiences of their colleagues and what’s important to them. Empathetic individuals want to connect with others and they respect the opinions of their co-workers. They demonstrate true concern for the challenges that people are dealing with and will often offer support. 
 
The effort that an empathic employee puts in draws others to them. People feel cared for and safe in their presence. In turn, this breeds trust and a sense of belonging, both of which are critical components of a healthy working culture. 
 
Inclusivity 
 
Fledgling leaders know that teamwork is the key to productivity and promoting a happy workplace. They’re apt to involve others in sorting out issues and brainstorming solutions. Furthermore, they’re well aware that a strong team is one where everyone has the chance to contribute their unique skills and perspectives and share the benefit of their experience. 
 
In addition, inclusivity is about welcoming diverse options and entertaining ideas that some may find unorthodox. When other colleagues feel accepted and validated for sharing their thoughts, motivation and innovation follow. As a result, the working environment becomes a much more pleasant place.  
 
Self-awareness 
 
A deep level of self-awareness is another mark of a prospective leader. Understandably, everyone is somewhere on the continuum of how aware they are of their particular strengths and weaknesses. If you determine that a staff member has an uncanny insight into their own capabilities and where they need to improve, it’s a sign that they’ve definitely done some personal work in this area. 
 
Self-awareness comes with maturity. It could be that an individual has had some life lessons that necessitated them stepping up to handle certain adversities. However they earned their enlightenment, they’re probably ready for leading others and helping to build a great culture.  
 
Forward-thinking 
 
Team members who have a good grasp of the firm’s mission and purpose and see how their day-to-day responsibilities further the business are valuable staff. Add to that a vision of the future and what is possible for the company, and you have a person with leadership aptitude. 
 
These forward-thinking workers will display a commitment and a sense of passion that can have the effect of rallying their colleagues to the cause. They will tend not only to get behind the company’s long-term business plan but will bring a creative force to play that can multiply the efforts of others. Additionally, forward-thinking staff have a knack for managing change. With the pace of progress and the competition in the marketplace, this growth mindset can be contagious and encourage dedication and collaboration across teams and departments. 
 
Finally 
 
To create and sustain a positive working culture, any business needs people with emerging leadership talent. Notice which of your employees seem to show these traits—curiosity, humility, empathy, inclusivity, self-awareness and forward-thinking—and take the time to mentor and develop these individuals. The payoff is definitely worth it.