What are the 6 qualities that surround good leadership?

For the next 6 weeks, we will be looking at the qualities that surround 'Good Leaders'.

Promotion to leadership can happen for various reasons.
Seniority, competence, popularity or even just simply being available!

Some people may just simply assume leadership because when they look around no one else is leading. Some are elected into a role of leadership because they weren’t there to object - I literally had this happen to me in one role of leadership! 

But what are the 6 qualities that will make you a 'Good Leader' and not just a leader?

I have had many roles in leadership over my life. Some were comfortable and some very challenging; but every role taught me a little more about what it is that contributes to being a good leader. 

So, over the next 6 weeks, I want to share with you 6 character traits to look for when choosing a leader in your business or organisation. 

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My favourite author and guru in the space of training and preparing someone for Leadership is John Maxwell.

Two of his memorable leadership quotes are:

• “If you think you're leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.”
• “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”

Unfortunately, there are many leaders out there taking a walk thinking they are actually leading someone because they don’t have the influence they need to inspire people to follow.  

The 'Core qualities' of your leadership are what make you attractive enough for people to want to follow you. Charisma can and often is a trait of a person with good character, but it is not the only trait to be looking for.

“A good leader is talented, thorough, tenacious and teachable and these are great traits to be looking for all the time when measuring someone's character.
When you find them, you will have the potential for a terrific new leader to appoint."

Ian Edwards - 5 Keys to Successful Business Planning

People need to like you if you are going to lead them. Very few people will follow a leader they don’t like or warm to them.

Someone unattractive in their behaviour, harsh or forcing in the instructions, insensitive and brash in their relationships, may have the role of a leader but will not have the devotion of their followers. 

CHARISMA

Charisma may take you to a position of leadership where your character won’t keep you. So, you will have to work on character even if you have natural charisma. 

However, while a charismatic person with no substance can be a dangerous addition to your team, a person with good character, morals, ethics, and authenticity, but lacking in charisma, will find it very difficult to influence and persuade others. 

Charisma is having a compelling attractiveness or charm that inspires others to want to follow you. 

If you have charisma, leadership will be easier. 

'Quality Leadership' is the ability to influence others to do what it is you want them to do. Sometimes even when originally they may not want to do it.  Charisma is a helpful asset.

Humour, rapport, charm, persuasiveness, likeability, friendliness, being interesting, having a presence about you and being magnetic are appealing traits for a leader. 

• Do you rate yourself as a leader? 
• Would you like to move into a role of leadership? 
• How is your charisma? 
• How many of the qualities listed about charisma are evident in your life?
• How can you learn to become more charismatic in your style to be thought of as a leader?

In my book the '5 Keys to Successful Business Planning' we walk people through how to attract, train, monitor, develop, and grow successful leaders in their business or organisation.

The E-Book is now available on our website here. 

Have a great week and remember to 'Planalife you want to live in through a Business on Purpose.'

See you next week for Part 2 - Credibility.

Cheers, Ian.