7 Qualities Of Great Leaders

Written by: Hayley Hunter Hines, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

Definitions of great leadership vary significantly from person to person, but to me, it means having a strong positive influence on other people at its core. Great leaders cast a powerful vision, communicate with passion and clarity, get everyone on the same page and move in the same direction.

Outstanding leadership qualities can be learned and studied. Thousands of books have been written on the subject by some of the greatest leaders of our time. It is possible to develop the skills to become an impressive leader in time.

Great leaders share a set of attributes that make them outstanding. Leadership is not always an easy task, and there are many theories about leadership development. However, regardless of the theory you choose, leadership attributes can be learned. You can thrive within any leadership system with the right blend of these attributes. Consider developing the following qualities if you want to enhance your leadership abilities:

1. Be confident.

Confident people inspire confidence in others. You are more confident when you are aligned to who you truly are and to your higher purpose. Having self-confidence will help you earn the trust and respect of your team. Confidence is contagious and elevates morale, inspiring trust from your team and their belief in your ability to lead them in the right direction.

2. Be trustworthy.

Being a person of character is the foundation of being a great leader, and people follow those that exude trustworthiness. A trustworthy leader is honest, authentic, and sincere – characteristics that can be cultivated within spiritual practice. People can feel these traits, and leaders must possess them to bond with those they lead. A trustworthy leader can create a more harmonious working environment where the team can communicate more freely and work more productively.

3. Be an Enthusiastic leader.

Many will argue that being enthusiastic is the most essential trait for a leader. It is so important to demonstrate the enthusiasm you would like to see from your team. An enthusiastic leader inspires the team to be more passionate about their goals and brings an element of fun and excitement to the environment. Be an enthusiastic leader and let everyone know that you believe in your mission and its importance.

4. Steadiness.

Operating or managing a business can bring its share of challenges. As leaders, we have to be emotionally intelligent when facing obstacles and uncertainty. Steadiness is an essential trait for leaders to keep themselves patient and calm in the face of overwhelming situations. In hard times, your team will need someone they can look up to. Be peaceful. Be positive. Be confident. Be a rock.

5. Be focused

Be focused on your goals and purpose because it can be easy to be distracted when leading. Having a spiritual practice can help you ignore the noise and stick to the relevant facts. Spirituality and mindfulness practices can help you stay in the present moment and help you to avoid looking too far ahead. Instead, be focused, deal with the current situation, and maintain your commitment.

6. Learn to adjust

Great leaders know how to adjust their composure when put in any situation. They have the skill to keep the team on track, and excellent leadership will lead the whole team to success. Be open-minded enough to find a simple answer to complex challenges. It's perfectly normal to adjust your plans because life is unpredictable, and so is leadership!

7. Communicate well.

Communication is essential in every type of relationship. A great leader will effectively communicate their vision to the team and should be willing to listen to new ideas and provide the information required for others to do their best. Therefore, communication skills are paramount to all great leaders.

Great leaders share many of the same attributes I have mentioned above. Learning to demonstrate these attributes will enhance your leadership abilities and increase your impact and influence at work. Leadership skills can’t be learned and developed in a day. If you want to learn more about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can create steps for improvement – feel free to message me. We can chat and discuss curated ways to step into the next level of your life and leadership.

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Read more from Hayley!

Hayley Hunter Hines, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

"Hayley is the CEO of Soul Sparkle Living and the Creator of the Soul Centered CEO Collective. She is a business strategist and intuitive advisor to leaders called to create a Soul Centered business and life. She is the creator of Soul Sparkle SEVA, global service trips and experiences and is an expert in transformational travel.

Hayley spent over 20 years in the corporate wellness industry consulting over 500 employer clients and as a senior level executive leading strategy/innovation and new product development for a national health management organization. She has always felt called to help others craft a business that gives back and makes a global impact. Her vision is big ‒ helping Soul Centered CEO’s make millions so that together we can give millions. "