We all know the common traits of great leaders, but what about those lesser known ones? A great natural leader is a leader who not just has the common traits of a leader, but the lesser known ones as well, and it’s time to outline just what those lesser known traits are! 5 lesser known traits that all great leaders possess are:
- Optimism – Optimism is the great motivator, and a naturally optimistic person will often times make a good natural leader. Now, we’re not talking about blind optimism, but the type of optimism that is always looking forward toward success, and stays hopeful about all the paths to getting there.
- Altruism – An altruistic person is a person that genuinely cares for the welfare and general well-being of others. Altruistic leaders inspire those working with them with care and compassion, and this makes their team want to work harder and smarter for them. A leader with altruism is a leader that will bring out the best in whoever they may be working with.
- Modesty – A great leader leads with action, not with what they say. Those who are modest and allow their work to speak for itself, while remaining humble and always willing to grow, are those who will impress and inspire with each success they reach. A modest person is a person that others will be able to better connect to, and it’s this type of connection that really gets things done in a positive way!
- Comfortable with silence – Many people talk simply to talk, and because they’d rather avoid periods of silence they deem “awkward”. The problem with this is that if you’re talking to avoid silences, you’re thinking about what you’re going to say next instead of really listening to the person you’re talking to. A great leader will not be afraid of silence, and they’ll place priority on listening to others over thinking of what they’re going to say next.
- Forgiveness – Everyone makes mistakes, even big mistakes, and the ability to forgive and press on makes a great leader great. A leader with forgiveness won’t hold grudges or keep mistakes hovered over the heads of employees, and they will try to see eye-to-eye as they give employees chances to prove themselves. They can see past the mistake made, and to the potential that lies behind it.
While some are born with these traits, they can also be developed. In order to become a great leader, a leader that really inspires, these lesser known leadership traits are key. Working hard at adapting them in your life and your leadership style is worthwhile, and something that should be undertaken by every leader looking to improve their style on the way to success!
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