Many people are interested in answering the question: “What makes a great leader?” What would you answer to that question? There are many lists of these traits written by others. These are quotes from an article by Bill George, former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic. According to him, the most important trait is to be yourself! As you will see, many of the characteristics of leadership require a high degree of self-awareness. Great leaders know themselves so they can be themselves.
1. Authenticity “After years of studying leaders and their characteristics, I believe that leadership begins and ends with authenticity.”
2. desire to serve others “Authentic leaders genuinely desire to serve others through their leadership.”
3. empower people “They are more interested in empowering the people they lead to make a difference than in power, money or prestige for themselves.”
4. Guided by the heart, passion and compassion “They are as guided by the qualities of the heart, by passion and compassion, as by the qualities of the mind.”
5. Acknowledge your flaws “Authentic leaders use their natural abilities, but they also recognize their flaws and work hard to overcome them.”
6. lead with purpose “They lead with purpose, meaning and values.”
7. Build lasting relationships “They build lasting relationships with people.”
8. Clear where they stand “Others follow them because they know where they stand.”
9. refuse to commit “When principles are put to the test, they refuse to compromise.”
10 develop “Authentic leaders are dedicated to developing themselves because they know that becoming a leader requires a lifetime of personal growth.”
