Today’s lesson is in Leadership. Leadership is often used as a noun: “Our Leadership Team is…” I look at Leadership as more of a way of life. Below are 12 Leadership Traits that I feel are important for anyone in any and all leadership roles in their lives.
Which ones do you feel are most important? Which ones have you seen on display today? Which ones are you going to ensure you adopt and use in your life today and tomorrow?
BEARING
Definition. Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.
Significance. The ability to look, act, and speak like a leader whether or not these manifestations indicate one's true feelings. Some signs of these traits are clear and plain speech, an erect gait, and impeccable personal appearance.
Example: Keeping your head, keeping your word and keeping your temper.
COURAGE
Definition. Courage is a mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a person to pro-ceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.
Significance. Knowing and standing for what is right, even in the face of popular disfavor, is often the leader's lot.
Example. Accepting criticism for making subordinates work for an extra hour to get the job done correctly.
DECISIVENESS
Definition. Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.
Significance. The quality of character which guides a person to accumulate all available facts in a circumstance, weigh the facts, choose and announce an alternative which seems best. It is often better that a decision be made promptly than a potentially better one be made at the expense of more time.
Example. A leader who sees a potentially dangerous situation developing, immediately takes action to prevent injury from occurring.
DEPENDABILITY
Definition. The certainty of proper performance of duty, every day.
Significance. The quality which permits a senior to assign a task to a junior with the understanding that it will be accomplished with minimum supervision. This understanding includes the assumption that the initiative will be taken on small matters not covered by instructions.
Example. The leader is one who will continue to get the job done, every single day. Rain or shine, sick or tired, day in, and day out.
ENDURANCE
Definition. The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship
Significance. The quality of withstanding pain during you daily life in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership. Leaders are responsible for leading their units in all kids of environments and for motivating them as well.
Example. A leader keeps up with his work load even though he has a new-born child at home and is getting very little sleep. A leader will work longer hours than most to ensure the daily operations are running smoothly so employees can work efficiently, and safely.
ENTHUSIASM
Definition. The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty
Significance. Displaying interest in a task, and an optimism that it can be successfully completed, greatly en-hances the likelihood that the task will be successfully completed.
Example. A leader will lend a hand on a task that is otherwise unpopular. A leader will show true enthusiasm in the face of others thereby spreading a more positive attitude throughout the workforce.
INITIATIVE
Definition. Taking action in the absence of orders.
Significance. Leaders will often be left with little supervision. A true leader will be able to identify tasks and situations that need attention, and will complete said tasks without having to be told to do so.
Example. In the unexplained absence of a supervisor, the leader takes charge of the work force and carries out the daily schedule.
INTEGRITY
Definition. Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles. The quality of truthfulness and honesty.
Significance. A man's word is his bond. Nothing less than complete honesty in all of your dealings with subordinates, peers, and superiors is acceptable.
Example. A leader who gives credit to subordinates that have completed tasks, or shown initiative in saving time on a task, or improving procedures rather than taking credit He can be counted upon to always respond truthfully and honestly.
JUDGMENT
Definition. The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to make sound decisions.
Significance. Sound judgment allows a leader to make appropriate decisions in the guidance and training of his works or peers. A Leader who exercises good judgment weighs pros and cons accordingly to arrive at an appropriate decision/take proper action.
Example. A leader properly apportions time off for his staff so as to optimally ensure the tasks are completed, and crucial positions are covered.
JUSTICE
Definition. Giving reward and punishment according to the merits of the case in question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.
Significance. The quality of displaying fairness and impartiality is critical in order to gain the trust and respect of subordinates and maintain discipline and unit cohesion, particularly in the exercise of responsibility as a leader.
Example. Fair apportionment of tasks by a manager during unpopular tasks.
KNOWLEDGE
Definition. Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one's information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your staff.
Significance. The gaining and retention of current developments in your field or expertise is important for your growth and development.
Example. The leader who not only knows how to do their own job, but knows how to perform tasks of his other workers or subordinates.
LOYALTY
Definition. The quality of faithfulness to one's seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Significance. You should show unswerving loyalty up and down the chain of command: to seniors, subordi-nates, and peers.
Example. No matter if you agree with the policy, or procedure sent down from above, you carry out the task as required. This shows your subordinates your loyalty to your administrators. When discussing a grievance from your subordinates, you carry that complaint to your higher eschelon.
TACT
Definition. The ability to deal with others without creating hostility.
Significance. The quality of consistently treating peers, seniors, and subordinates with respect and courtesy is a sign of maturity. Tact allows commands, guidance, and opinions to be expressed in a constructive and beneficial manner. This deference must be extended under all conditions regardless of true feelings.
Example. A leader discreetly points out a mistake in a procedure to a co-worker by waiting until after the task has been complete and privately discussing the correction
UNSELFISHNESS
Definition. Avoidance of providing for one's own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.
Significance. The quality of looking out for the needs of your subordinates before your own is the essence of leadership. This quality is not to be confused with putting these matters ahead of the accomplishment of the mission.
Example: An leader ensures that his subordinates have their vacation scheduled before his. He ensures his employees are properly paid, and takes care of grievances before his own.
