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The Attributes of a Leader

by Rick Baker
On Jul 31, 2013

You may agree with the attributes/character traits presented below or disagree with them...either way, give them some thought. Create your own list...a list you can live and lead by.

For my part, and seeking simple, I think the required attributes of leadership can be summed up in 3 major qualities:

  1. Intelligence
  2. Self-control
  3. Drive
These qualities can be broken down into components and they can be combined to create a longer list of the attributes of leadership.
 
Here are some classic thoughts on this topic...
 
***
 
From 'Think and Grow Rich', Napoleon Hill's 1937 classic:

1. UNWAVERING COURAGE. 
Based upon knowledge of self, and of one’s occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long. [some thoughts on Courage]

2. SELF-CONTROL.
The man who cannot control himself, can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one’s followers, which the more intelligent will emulate. [some thoughts on self-control]

3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE.
Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his followers. [some thoughts on keen sense of justice]

4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION.
The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully. [some thoughts on definiteness of decision]

5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS.
The successful leader must plan his work, and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks. [some thoughts on definiteness of plans]

6. THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR.
One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more than he requires of his followers. [some thoughts on doing more than paid for]

7. A PLEASING PERSONALITY.
No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality. [some thoughts on pleasing personality]

8. SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING.
The successful leader must be in sympathy with his followers. Moreover, he must understand them and their problems. [some thoughts on empathy and understanding]

9. MASTERY OF DETAIL.
Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position. [some thoughts on mastery of detail]

10. WILLINGNESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY.
The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of his followers. If he tries to shift this responsibility, he will not remain the leader. If one of his followers makes a mistake, and shows himself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is he who failed. [some thoughts on responsibility]

11. COOPERATION.
The successful leader must understand, and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for POWER, and power calls for COOPERATION. [some thoughts on cooperation and harmony]

***

From Wess Roberts' 'Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun' (1985/2009 audio)

  1. Loyalty
  2. Courage
  3. Desire
  4. Emotional Stamina
  5. Physical Stamina
  6. Empathy 
  7. Decisiveness
  8. Anticipation
  9. Sense of Timing
  10. Competitiveness
  11. Self-Confidence
  12. Accountability
  13. Responsibility
  14. Credibility
  15. Tenacity
  16. Dependability
  17. Stewardship

 

Tags:

Hero Worship | Leaders' Thoughts | Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Comments (6) -

rick baker
8/14/2013 10:29:49 PM #

"When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you."

Zig Ziglar
American Author, Salesman, & Motivational Speaker, (1926-2012)

rick baker
8/24/2013 10:03:34 AM #

"How to Differentiate Great Leaders from Good Leaders

1) Is the leader self-aware?
2) Is the leader committed to the company/organization; do they drive change?
3) Is the leader a "giver or a taker?"
4) Is the leader a critical thinker?
5) Lastly, does the leader have a dream for themselves and the company?"

GE Chairman & CEO, Jeff Immelt, (2013)

rick baker
9/2/2013 10:17:50 PM #

When people were asked about the characteristics of leaders they would willingly follow…

The Top 4 Leadership Characteristics were:

Honest
Forward looking
Competent
Inspiring

James Kouzes & Barry Posner
'The Leadership Challenge, (2012)

rick baker
12/10/2014 9:06:35 PM #

The Factors John C Maxwell Looks For In Great Leaders

The Influence factor. Do they influence others?
The Capacity factor. Do they have the potential to grow and develop?
The Attitude factor. Do they desire to grow and develop themselves?
The Chemistry factor. Do we like each other?
The Passion factor. Are they self-motivated?
The Character factor. Are they grounded?
The Values factor. Are our values compatible?
The Teamwork factor.  Do they work well with others?
The Support factor. Do they add value to me?
The Creative factor. Can they find possibilities in impossibilities?
The Option factor. Can their contributions give me options?
The 10% factor. Are they in the top 10% of those on our team?

John C Maxwell
‘Good Leaders Ask Great Questions’, (2014)

rick baker
8/30/2015 11:03:43 AM #

"The world is ruled by servants. The successful servant is king."

Frank Channing Haddock
"Power of Will", (1910)

rick baker
9/24/2015 8:48:24 PM #

"Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you."

John Wooden - Basketball Coach UCLA (1910-2010)

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