Leadership is intangible, and therefore no weapon ever designed can replace it. – Omar N. Bradley
Here are a few traits I have learned working for and with some amazing leaders. (with the obvious Christian focus removed):
1. Set the tone and set it with passion and audacity.
2. Avoid drama and create peace.
3. Think positive, but realistic.
4. Lead by serving.
5. Act as much as they talk.
6. Ensure that their words and actions align; own and correct it when they don’t.
7. Plan.
8. Know they don’t have all the answers all the time.
9. Ask questions more than you make statements.
10. Trust their team to do their jobs.
11. Set and articulate expectations.
12. Insist on results.
13. Delegate. Then, delegate more.
14. Give others credit.
15. Listen. Listen. Listen. Then respond.
16. Have compassion, but don’t be fooled.
17. Respond instead of react.
18. Hire talented, young, future leaders and trust them even when they fail…and never stop investing in them.
19. Know their idea is not always the best idea.
20. Never stop learning.
What are traits you look for in a leader? What traits are you attempting to model?
Great points listing what i look for in a leader! Trying to master open & honest feedback from those i lead. They are probably the best feedback source as they serve with me
The leader I work with allows me to fail from time to time, then helps me learn from what went wrong.
That one is always huge Dan… totally agree.
As someone who values creativity in leaders and searches for ways to be more creative the one trait that needs to be an open mind to all forms of creativity. Searching for ways to improve their leadership beyond the normal voices they surround themselves with.
One point you made, which I find very important, is to ask questions more then make statements. So much value can be shown to others by asking questions and not just stating a point.
Great post!
#18 is so crucial! Investing in young/future leaders and mentoring them is the only way to ensure that there will be great leaders in the future! Just as older leaders poured into us, it is our job to pour of ourselves into others who come up behind us!
I always look to see if they are men/women of their word. If they say one thing and do another, or can’t be trusted to follow through with what they promise, they aren’t good leaders.
Love your list!
One thing that is hard to find are leaders who appreciate people who lead with a different style or approach. Not all people are the same. So, not all leaders are the same. Having a leader who can leverage a diversely gifted group is rare and needed in ministry. This is where creatives and innovators need some access.
I’m late to this party, but such a good list.
Thanks SCOTT!!!!
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded
up as fast as yours lol