10 Traits of Extraordinary Leaders

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

 ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

Although all leaders are different, the best leaders throughout our history exemplify key characteristics that set them apart making them extraordinary. The below list contains those traits that all extraordinary leaders have in common.

1. Inspirational: They inspire others through their actions as well as their words often leading by example.
2. Ethical: They display high moral character and are guided by ethical thought and actions.
3. Consistent: They stick to the task at hand seeing it through until the end rarely wavering unless absolutely necessary.
4. Executive Presence: They command attention when they enter a room and often make a great first impression with their communication and presentation skills.
5. Great Delegators: Leaders who can identify the strengths in others that they lack in themselves and use those talents to their advantage often exceed their peers in performance.
6. High Aptitude: Ability to recognize key issues and proactively address them prior to it becoming a major crisis.
7. Adaptability: The ability for leaders to effectively navigate through change when there is no other alternative.
8. Develops Others: Extraordinary leaders work to develop the talent in others through mentorship and volunteerism.
9. Delivers on Promises: Great leaders stand by their word and give people the confidence that they will deliver on their message.
10. Great Listener: Extraordinary leaders are also extraordinary listeners that look to fully understand issues, concerns, challenges prior to engagement.

 

 

 

References

Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2002). The extraordinary leader: Turning good

        managers into great leaders.  New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Bevelin, P. (2012). A few lessons for investors and managers: From Warren E.

         Buffett. Kansas City, MO: Walsworth Publishing Company

Tierney, M.A. (2012, October 4). Ready, set, lead: Making sure you are positioning yourself

         for leadership. HPGM Conexiones

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological

         Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.