Do You Have the Mindset to be a Good Leader? 

Some say that great leaders are born while others believe that they are made. No matter what the case may be, whether nature or nurture, it is true that most leaders have a common set of traits that determine their level of success. Let’s take a look at the characteristics and mindset that it takes to be a leader in any industry. 

Leaders come from all walks of life and can be found in every industry. According to Lolly Daskal, a designated Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine and honored by Huffington Post, “Everybody has within them the potential to be a great leader. But it all starts, and ends with mindset.”
Great leaders seem to share common traits that have allowed them to be successful in their business or goals. Some of the more important characteristics include: communicativeness, positive curiosity, openness to change, empathy, and the ability to listen. These are not, by far, the only traits, but some of the more important ones that help a great leader succeed in whatever task lies before them. 

Curiosity 

Great leaders are always looking to learn from a situation regardless of the positive or negative outcome. Every instance can become a learning opportunity. 

Communicativeness 

Some of the best leaders in history learned to communicate their vision and the ability to explain to others how to accomplish it. Being able to communicate clearly and concisely is a hallmark of a great leader. 

Ability to Listen 

Going hand-in-hand with communicativeness, is the ability to listen and learn from others. Too many leaders have become complacent with the listening portion of communication, and become too focused on the speaking aspect. A good leader can do both well. 

Openness to Change 

Far too often we fear change. Good leaders know that change is inevitable so they might as well embrace it. It may mean changing course, learning new technology, or adopting a new way of thinking. 

Empathy

One of the more important traits of a great leader is the ability to connect with others and tune into their feelings. Having this can mean the difference between leading with care and compassion and just leading the way with no concern for others. 
What kind of leader do you hope to be? What sets you apart? Check out our Leadership Mastermind workshop on January 29 for more information on leadership with a purpose. 

Categorised in: Blog, Management Style, New Business