5 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader
...ssed because of work-related pressures. A leader of this type can make the difference by renewing their attitude toward their work. 2. Integrity While most of the other leadership qualities are diverse, integrity is a yes or no question. You either have it or you don’t. Integrity is the primary condition for trust. For that reason alone, leaders must possess a high degree of integrity. Leaders who have integrity are both sincere and consistent, have substance and character and are good finishers. Their actions always match their deeds. The more a leader’s behaviour matches his or her words, the more loyal people will become, both to the leader and the organization. A single example of integrity could create an impression, but to successfully command the organization, the leader’s behaviour must be consistent. Integrity is imperative because a single breach of it could create a permanent scar on relationships. Leaders must be consistent in enforcing standards. A leader who practices discriminatory tactics has a serious integrity problem. Finally, organizations tend to take on the personality of its leaders. Building character founded on integrity must be on top of the priority list of managers and anybody who commands people because amazing things happen when people constantly trusts and follow their leader. 3. Excellent Communicator Leaders can convey their ideas to diverse individuals and adjust their styles to meet the needs of the people they lead. Across the world, research shows that communication is a critical business tool for accelerating change and improving organizational performance. Communication is a key factor in influencing employee behaviour – it is not simply about dispersing information throughout the organization. Effective communication is strategic, ‘leader driven’ and seeks to build an understanding among employees about the vision and direction of the business. No one else in the organisation has the credibility and the authority to do this – the responsibility to develop and communicate a compelling organizational vision rests squarely on the leaders of the organization. Leaders of today must realize that they have a very powerful, and often underused, tool at their disposal that can help them achieve the business and people outcomes they are searching for — effective communication. A leader can be recognised as achieving the ranks of a successful communicator when employees can confidently answer important work-related questions, especially those related to their development. 4. Decisiveness A great leader must display mental toughness in making important decisions. No one can lead without being criticized or without facing discouragement. A tough-minded leader sees things as they are and they are accountable for their deci...