Article

The characteristics of a good leader are challenging to pin down to one small list. Simply because what makes a good leader is similar to trying to define what makes for a good day! There are a hundred different aspects that a person can look for and appreciate in either good days or good leaders!

Having said that, here is a list of seven characteristics and qualities of good leadership that seem to be consistent traits of good leaders.

1. Aligned To Their Inner Source Energy. A person who is living and acting from the space of being connected to their Source Energy (call it God, Buddha, Muhammad, Higher Power - whatever is your name for that infinite wisdom that is you beyond your physical body) is by far the most powerful leader. Coming from a place of love and appreciation for the people they work with they are powerful and power-filling. Read more on how to Align Yourself
2. Are Passionate. People come to work for a variety of reasons, but basically most people can fall into one of three categories - They are in a Job, they are working a Career or they have found their Calling and are passionately committed. Leaders who are genuinely excited and moved by what they are doing are irresistible and contagious. They feel good to be around and people buy into that and want to be a part of it. Take the Are You In A Job, Career or Calling Quiz
3. Are Respectful To Those Who Aren't Present. It is a characteristic of good leadership that people know and trust that no matter how well justified their leader doesn't speak negatively about others. Be known as a person who talks directly to others about their concerns and issues. Read more about how gossip in the workplace damages your reputation.
4. Make Best Use of Their People's Strengths & Talents. The leader who provides the environment that enables his or her people to shine by feeling challenged and engaged and knowing that their contribution matters, will have a long line of people wanting to get into his or her team. Be known for delegating work that enlists people's use of their signature strengths and engages their hearts.
5. Live Above The Line. If you have ever worked for someone who ducks responsibility and shifts blame anytime something goes wrong - you have experienced the frustration of working for a leader who operates below the line. The below the line leaders can quickly steer their teams toward the learned helplessness syndrome. Above the Line Leaders are those men and women who accept responsibility, hold themselves accountable and learn from life's challenges.
6. Interacts Effectively With A Diversity of People. This list of characteristics of a good leader would not be complete without mentioning the ability of all good leaders to be able to get on well with others. It is a hallmark of great leadership that a person is able to shift their style of communicating so that they create relationships that work with all different types of people.
7. At The Leading Edge. To stay relevant a leader needs to be at the leading-edge in terms of both leadership skills and knowledge in the organization's field of expertise. As a member of the Align-Lead-Inspire Club you are well on the way to keeping yourself at the forefront of your leadership skills.