All organizations need a leader, and employees and team members generally look for the following qualities in that person:
- A Calling
Few things are as compelling to the members of an organization as a clear calling in the life of a leader. Someone who has received and accepted a calling usually possesses vision, passion, energy, and commitment. If you are that leader, making the calling the foundation of your ambition and vision really helps with the direction that you should go.
- Insight
People respect a leader who has keen insight, who has the wisdom to get to the heart of the issue in any situation, and who can see what potential pitfalls may lie ahead. Again, as with the notion of a calling, the direction of the organization is clear if the leader can display and utilize his or her insight.
- Charisma
The term charisma has two meanings: compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, and a divinely conferred power or talent. Yet it is the first definition that really matters in a business context. People are attracted to leaders who make them feel good about themselves.
- Talent
Likewise, people are attracted to individuals with talent. Actors, musicians, and athletes, among others, are looked at with respect and even idolized for their natural gifts. Indeed, many times it is talent and not appearance that draws others towards you.
- Ability
People love competence and are naturally attracted to people who can get things done because of their ability. A leader has to show that he or she can do things for their team which others cannot. Ability inspires confidence and conveys the impression that when obstacles arise, the leader will be able to tackle them head on.
- Communication Skills
A leader who is incapable of communicating his or her calling or vision will have difficulty getting people to buy into their leadership. This is more important than many people realize. It is one thing to possess a calling or great insight, talent, and ability; it is entirely another to be able to communicate these qualities to those working for or alongside you.
- Character
Call it character, call it self-belief. They are the qualities that are needed to win over people’s trust. Furthermore, the closer the leader is to his or her people, the greater the need for a strong and attractive character. Self-belief is needed to keep people moving in the right direction, even when against the odds.
All of us possess these qualities to one degree or another. Some come naturally. Others can be developed or taught. But the number and degree to which a leader possesses them will determine what kind of impact he or she will have on the people around them. The stronger the quality of leadership, the better the employee or team member you will be able to attract.
