Recently on a linkedin.com discussion in the Leadership Think Tank Group, a member posed the question:
What are the essential qualities of a leader? And
What are the barriers to developing leaders and how can they be overcome?
There were 28 responses from leadership experts around the world. They listed dozens of important leadership qualities. I added our opinion which was different from but amplifies each of the other responses, and am including it in this blog entry:
Self-awareness is the essential quality of leadership. On-going development to understand oneself better (strengths and unique gifts, weaknesses, stressors, unconscious motives, etc.). The more a leader learns about him or herself, the more range they have to:
1. Select which leadership traits (of the many important ones listed in the 28 responses) are most important to drive results in their particular role and company.
2. Attract and keep a diverse senior team whose whole becomes greater than the individual players.
3. Increase one's empathic abilities and an understanding of others.
The barrier to self awareness? Self deception of course. It's impossible to see ourselves objectively! Which is why good coaching is invaluable.
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