Leadership Qualities

"Do not go where the path may lead you, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson

Although individual strengths and abilities may vary, most experts agree that outstanding leaders tend to view the world in similar ways. A solid set of values is particularly important, as is a commitment to high ethical standards.

The most commonly observed qualities in outstanding leaders include:

1. LEADING BY EXAMPLE - Serving as an example for others; not being afraid or unwilling to do the tasks everyone else is being asked to do.
2. VISION – Providing a sense of direction for others; being able to think outside the box.
3. STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS – Listening and considering as well as speaking.
4. TRUSTWORTHINESS – Behaving in a consistent, highly ethical, and fair manner; being honest at all times.
5. CALMNESS – Staying cool under pressure, especially when things go wrong.
6. OPEN MINDEDNESS – Inviting constructive dissent or disagreements in order to critically evaluate what the team is doing.
7. PROFESSIONALISM – Being respectable both at school and in their private lives.
8. CLEAR THINKING – Simplifying things to maximise understanding and minimise confusion.
9. NURTURING – Showing respect for all people, their opinions and their capacity to achieve important results.
10. SUPPORTING OTHERS – Helping others build on their strengths and showing appreciation for what they have done.