Leadership Traits and Characteristics

When we talk about great world leaders, we definitely think about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, George Washington, John F Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. They were so charismatic, that people literally followed and listened to their every word. What was that X factor that made them such great leaders? Some school of thoughts believe that leaders are born and do not require any leadership training, whereas, others believe that leaders are made. I think leaders are the combination of both. A person, basically has to have some leadership qualities that can be nurtured and altered as he grows. There are many people who became 'situational' leaders. Their life took such a course that they were left with no option but to lead. The political and social structures in that era caused many of the world leaders to be so. They all had different leadership styles, but they shared the same leadership qualities and performed the similar leadership roles. These leadership traits helped them steer masses and helped them achieve success. Given below are some of the traits and characteristics of a leader, that can help you to know what makes a good leader and the skills required to lead your life as a leader.

Good Communication Skills
It is observed that most of the world leaders had good oratory skills. They used to talk and communicate with passion and commitment. They always made their points clear, and gave the right message at the right time. In today's world too, strategic leadership with good communication and propaganda methods is necessary to spread one's thoughts across the target groups.

Effective Human Resource Management
As someone rightly said, good leaders don't just lead, they bring out the best in everybody else too. A good leader knows how to handle and use his human resource rightly. He must know who is good at what and which task should be allotted to whom. Recognizing the capacities and talents among other people and having complete understanding about masses are some of the important leadership qualities.

Passion And Dedication
It is amongst the most important leadership characteristics. A leader is always passionate about his goal or aim in life. A leader is always ready to sacrifice on certain things to achieve his goal. He always stands by for what he believes in and has the ability to steer public opinion. A leader sternly follows his ethics and principles in all odd situations and never gives up. Consistency and perfection are two main leadership traits.

Honesty
A person can learn and improve only when he accepts his shortcomings. A leader is well aware of his own strengths and limitations, and he constantly tries to improve and polish his skills. He is honest to himself and to his followers as well. This honesty builds up the confidence and openness, and makes him trust worthy.

Vision
A leader is a visionary, as he can foresee the results and consequences of his current actions and always aims high. Most leaders are known to have never resorted to shortcuts in life. They always have a blueprint of their future plans ready in their mind, and it is very difficult to deviate them. They indulge in long term planning and wait patiently for positive results.

Humility and Sense of Humor
You may not have seen the photograph of any world leader with angry face. A leader must have presentable and approachable personality. Accommodating and relaxed body language makes a person look more dependable and reliable. Good leader must have sporting spirit, humility and good sense of humor. These leadership characteristics help you deal with your critics and opponents effectively.

Creativity
It is said that leaders never do different things, they do things differently. It is important for a leader to be very innovative, creative, and think of new leadership strategies. Initially, the new thoughts may not be readily accepted by people, but slowly a leader convinces people that what he believes is just, and is of larger public interests. A leader knows that the society is always hungry for change and new thoughts.

Apart from these traits and characteristics, a leader must possess, assertiveness, intelligence and competency. A leader must have a charismatic personality that inspires and motivates people to follow and support him. With this information, you know how to awaken the leader in you. Go ahead, take the challenge and make the world dance to your tunes.