hard skills vs soft skills article

A great leader is someone who inspires others to do their best work. They take responsibility for any situation, even the most difficult ones, and turn them into positives. One of the most important qualities of great leadership is excellent communication skills and the ability to care for and connect with people emotionally.

Are you a good leader?

Related: The Difference Between Leadership and Management

What Makes A Good Leader?

The best leaders accept responsibility and remain humble when faced with challenges.

They have values that draw people toward them rather than push them away.

The wisdom that allows them to make decisions without regret.

Self-aware of their strengths and opportunities and team dynamics.

Emotional intelligence so they can understand where a direct report and others are coming from even if they don’t agree with what someone has done.

Related: 4 Steps To Boost Your Emotional Intelligence

Integrity is key to everything they do, so it’s always honest and without manipulation.

They have courage so they will stand up for themselves and be an advocate for others.

Good business leaders create an environment where their direct reports can do their best work.

Leadership is challenging, and there are many theories about how to best lead others.

Because each leadership role and leader is unique, leadership styles will also be different.

Regardless of which leadership theory is used and style, there are qualities that great leaders share.

Leaders with the right blend of qualities can succeed in any leadership system, industry, or situation regardless of their leadership status or leadership position.

This article shares 7 of the most important leadership qualities that make great leaders.

Good news! It’s possible to develop these critical leadership qualities of true leaders.

Use it as a guideline to help you identify whether or not you’re on your way to becoming a great leader!

Remember. Ideas are easy. It’s the execution that’s so challenging and absolutely crucial for success. 

Big ideas require multiple people to bring them to life. 

Leadership is all about getting everyone on board and moving them in the same direction. 

7 Leadership Qualities of Successful Leaders 

Here are seven qualities of good leaders.

Hard Skills

 1. Self Confidence

People who are confident in themselves inspire confidence in others.

Confidence is contagious and elevates morale. If you don’t believe in yourself, it can affect the confidence of others.

When your team sees that you are confident in where you’re headed, they believe that you know the way and how to get there.

When your team sees that you have these qualities, they feel more confident in themselves as well, and it motivates them to want to do better, resulting in real success.

TIP: Focus on the positive and stay confident in your abilities to work through challenges.

2. Trustworthiness

A key attribute of a great leader is character. If people do not trust you, they will not follow you.

Being honest, demonstrating that you follow through on promises, and showing respect can help to foster a sense of trust.

TIP: A team without trust will have a hard time working together in pursuit of a common goal. 

3. Enthusiasm

Be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude about the work ahead, the position you are in, and the opportunity to lead.

Your actions inspire. Be a role model for the type of enthusiasm you’d like to see in your team members. Show everyone you believe in your mission’s importance.

TIP: Sometimes, you need a break. One might feel less enthusiastic under a never-ending workload.

4. Steadiness

There will be obstacles and moments of uncertainty. Effective leaders can do more than get through difficult situations: they provide the steadiness necessary to keep their team focused. These are the times your team will look to you the most. Have a positive outlook. Be confident. Remain grounded. 

TIP: Having doubts is natural. Sharing them with a team member is not always effective. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to your spouse or a friend. Keep any negativity out of the workplace.

5. Focus

It’s easy to become distracted, especially when things aren’t going as planned. Learn to ignore the noise and concentrate on relevant facts. Avoid looking too far ahead. Most importantly, stay committed to the current situation and maintain a level head.

TIP: When you don’t see progress on your project right away, it can be easy to lose focus. Keep your vision in focus by returning to your mission statement often. 

6. Flexibility

Nearly anyone can hold the course, but only a great leader will be able to navigate their way through and around challenges shift without overthrowing the ship.

Good leaders remain open-minded to find and solve any challenges that arise.  

TIP: Understand the difference between being steadfast and stubborn. It’s important to realize when it’s time to change.

7. Communication

It is critical that leaders be able to effectively communicate their vision with the people they are leading. Sharing the big picture and the important role they play in it.

Good leaders listen. They are open to new ideas when decision-making and problem-solving using active listening. Provide all the information others need to do their best work. Good communication skills are a key leadership quality in being an effective leader. If you’re looking to hone a single skill, becoming a good communicator is an excellent place to start.

soft skills vs hard skills

Regardless of the leadership strategy followed in your company, these good leadership qualities will serve you well. Great leaders share many of the same leadership attributes.

Learning to demonstrate these attributes will enhance your leadership abilities and influence at work.

 Here’s to your future success!

Good Leadership Skills Can Be Learned

Leadership can’t be learned and developed in a day. 

Leadership skills can’t be learned and developed in a day. However, it is possible to learn effective leadership skills through self-awareness and practice.

The 7 Attributes of Good Leaders are an excellent place to start if you want to take your career or business forward at work. It doesn’t matter what type of leadership strategy you follow; these attributes will serve you well.

If I were looking to develop the strong leadership qualities outlined above, where would I go? I’m The Awesome Leader League (T.A.L.L.).

The Awesome Leader League (T.A.L.L.) is the ultimate collection of people-centered leadership skills to make you a better leader.

I understand how hectic schedules are, and there never seems to be enough time in the day.

Get the professional and personal development you need to be a confident and effective leader. Did I mention we do it in 20 minutes or less?

If you’re looking to take your leadership to the next level, I invite you to join The Awesome Leader League (T.A.L.L.).  Join us!

 

Rebecca Morgan, Ph.D., is an award-winning former Disney leader and founder of The Awesome Leader League (T.A.L.L.), the ultimate collection of people-centered leadership skills to help you be a better leader. Without EVER being a soul-sucking “boss-hole.” Join us here.