One Minute HR Consultant

As we move forward into the 21st century, we see leadership coming to the forefront once again. Much has changed, but much remains the same. True leaders may or may not be born (that’s an argument for a separate study), but traits are common in all great leaders. Some of the most common traits of great leaders are:

1) Humbleness
2) Courageous
3) Accessible
4) Decisive
5) Honorable
6) Committed
7) Focused
8) Thoughtful
9) Determined
10) Communicators

There are a couple of other traits that are desirable such as visionary and able to laugh at oneself, however, those are not necessary traits required in order to be a great leader. A great leader can be essential to a moment in time despite the setting rather in church, within government, or in the workplace.

Great leaders also are called upon at some of the most awkward moments – with leaders not so much picking the time, but the time picking the leader. Ask yourself as you go about your day – what would you do if you were called upon to lead? Let that soak in for a moment. The setting is not important- it can be the coach of the Little League baseball team, or it can be being selected as President of a small business; the question is what would you do? What do you think leadership is about? Reflect and think about all the leaders mentioned in this post and compare the leaders against the traits we mentioned. Observe some of the qualities found. Do you possess them? Or, do you believe the leadership is all about ego — thinking that if selected they will follow.

One of the hardest lessons I learned about leadership was when I was selected as a department head of a human resource-personnel department and found 150 people under my direct report and another 3,000 to support. Proud because at the time I was the most junior officer department head, I quickly learned that ego, directive, and blind ambition ARE NOT the traits of great leadership. I did not get the leadership challenge right (or even close to right) until being in the job for almost a year. I inherited a disgruntled department because I was replacing a very poplar department head to leaving a department that had no fewer than three going away parties for me upon my departure. Many tears shared and memories forever embedded in my mind. Not because I was so great, but because I finally recognized the greatness of others. The department was not about me; it was about the men and women that made up the department and the work they did in support of a fairly large organization. I figured it out, but it took a lot of soul-searching and reflection on my part to unlock the key to being an effective leader (their assessment not mine).

The point being is that the pathway to leadership is not easy – but it will be easier if you remember what being a leader is all about – and it is not about you!