Evaluating Positive Leadership Qualities Of A Good Leader

Over the past couple of months, we discussed several traits, skills, and behaviors that have contributed to the success of both past and present leaders. Intelligence, integrity, charisma, and confidence are some of the traits that characterize many of these leaders. Interpersonal skills, oratory skills, and conceptual skills are some of the more important skills that helped to shape their leadership style. Some of these skills go hand in hand with the traits that are essential for strong leadership. Meanwhile, the behaviors that drive these leaders include inspiring and motivating others, collaboration, having a strategic perspective and trust. Combined, these traits, skills and behaviors make for effective leadership.

                  An important part of being a leader, consists of the fourteen leadership traits.   They are as follows: integrity, knowledge, courage, decisiveness, dependability, initiative, tact, justice, enthusiasm, bearing, endurance,

I can identify the following traits, proposed by Zaccaro, Kemp, and Bader in their Studies of Leadership Traits and Characteristics on 2004, as part of my leadership believes (Northouse, 2016):

The other quality of a leader that I exhibit is hard work and dedication. I do my best to make each assignment or activity I do the best it can possibly be. I only ever miss school, practice or work if I have no other option available to me, and when I do miss, I try to make up my work as quickly as I can. I use the drive that I have in school, swim, and work to strengthen my leadership qualities.

Many of these traits I later learned were the attributes of leadership referenced in “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes and Posner.

There are numerous characteristics of leadership, some of which include: confidence, initiative, good communication, responsibility, compassion, and being open to change; each of theses traits contribute to the quality of a leader and are important factors because without them inadequate decisions can be made (Satterwhite). Many feel that most “are born

As a growing debate, the question at hand is whether great leaders are born with specific leadership traits, or if one can be taught certain traits over time. According to (Wikipedia.com) the approach of listing leadership qualities, often termed "trait theory of leadership", assumes certain traits or characteristics will tend to lead to effective leadership. I believe that leadership traits such as honest, competent, initiative, inspiring, hardworking, intelligent, and the ability to lead the masses, are some of the leadership traits one should possess. Within this paper, I will examine the overall concept of leadership traits, while observing the traits that were, or can be associated with successful leaders.

The most important characteristics an effective leader must have are: motivation, selflessness, and have an exemplary character. Many people might say these characteristics are not essential for a leader, but in order to be successful, a leader must think and care about others first rather than themselves. A leader must be passionate and motivated to help the people achieve their goals. A leader must want to lead the people at all times no matter what the circumstances are. A leader must have the ability to persuade others and give them hope whenever times get rough.

As we continue to learn about leadership, we continue to see the importance of having certain qualities. There are differing opinions on what traits hold more importance than others, but in the end, each quality plays a specific role in forming an excellent leader. Three qualities that preform a role in the equation, and that needs strengthened in my own leadership skills, are enthusiasm, persistence and charisma.

Although leadership traits can be studied from textbooks, the best way to adopt good leadership traits is to follow an example of positive leadership. In my career, I’ve been very fortunate to have had numerous positive role models on which to model by own behavior after.

The chapter discusses the specific skills that are possessed by a positive leader: a) performance analysis, b) performance importance and c) performance coaching (Albernathy, 2011).

Philip (2008) has listed 7 common traits in the characteristic of leadership. The characteristics are empathy, consistency, honesty, direction, communication, flexibility and conviction.

Ms. Tilton displays both positive and negative leadership traits and styles. Trait theory of leadership is based on the assumption that leaders were born with the ability to lead (Kreitner, & Kinicki, 2013). Traits play a role in how leaders are perceived and they impact leadership effectiveness. Traits do not ensure leadership success but that some traits do distinguish effective leaders (Van Eeden, Cilliers, & van Deventer, 2008). Organizations find themselves needing to strengthen their foundation to ensure sustainability and organizational success. Leaders that excels are deeply committed to three consistent traits of establishing trust, demonstrating care, and practicing servant leadership (Efron, 2015). There are six positive leadership

In researching traits in leadership there are many factors to consider for being a leader in the workplace. The “different traits, such as gender, personality, and intelligence” are traits that are in the paradigm. These traits are needed

These traits separate leaders from others within an organization (Colbert, Judge, Choi and Wang, 2012). Leadership traits were personality traits that early researchers tried define originally (Wynn, 2006). Even more recent, an article came out describing ten traits for innovative leaders which included: excellent strategic vision, strong customer service, creates a climate of trust, and always available to name a few of the traits (Business Mirror, 2014). Researchers are still looking for specific traits identified to be innate to great leaders.