Twenty-One Qualities a Leader Should

¶ … twenty-one qualities a leader should possess. Specifically, it will discuss why communication, competence, initiative positive attitude, and problem solving are the five most important qualities of the twenty-one. A good leader, whether in business, politics, or even personal lives, must have many unique and diverse qualities. Leaders must have a good relationship with those they lead, and they must be able to solve problems, create workable teams, and produce excellent results, or they are not good leaders.

Thus, these five qualities are the most important, because they help a leader obtain the best results from his or her employees, while ensuring the results benefit the industry, as well. Communication may be the most important element of a good leader, because without good communication skills, a leader cannot convey their needs, the needs of the organization, and the departments' goals and objectives. A leader must be able to communicate effectively, but that also means a leader must be able to listen effectively, as well.

A good leader knows when to listen, and when to talk, and knows how to listen to the concerns of employees and other managers. Communication throughout any organization is one important key to organizational success, and if a leader cannot communicate effectively, they are essentially not a good leader. Without the ability to convey ideas, needs, and goals, the leader's team cannot perform effectively, and ultimately, that can undermine the success of the entire organization.

Good communication can also keep bad situations from growing worse, and stop internal problems before they get out of hand, so keeping on top of communication is the most important element of a great leader. A positive attitude is probably the second most important aspect of a great leader. Everyone has worked for someone who is negative and always seeing the worst in every project or goal, and they are extremely difficult to work with.

They always see the things that might go wrong in any situation, and even if it is subtle, this attitude transfers to the staff. They become less enthusiastic, more skeptical, and far less productive. A positive attitude can overcome many other deficiencies, and it can incite a positive, productive attitude in those around a leader, as well. Competence might seem like a given in a good leader, but that is not always the case.

Some organizations promote from within, and may promote someone who has a good record of accomplishment, but no managerial skills. In this case, the leader may fail because they lack competence in this area. A good leader is competent in the overall operation of the organization, but is also competent in management skills, which will make them an even more effective leader. Initiative is also imperative for a good leader. Without a drive to succeed, projects can fail, staff members can wither, and projects may never gain acceptance.

A good leader does not depend on the impetus and initiative of others; they create it themselves, and compel their staff to greatness with their own.