UXL Blog

If you’ve been lucky enough to work for an excellent leader, you know what a game changer it can be. You feel energized and motivated to come into work. Your role is clear, and you understand how it fits into the bigger picture. If any problems arise, you know you can discuss them candidly without fear of belittlement or retribution. But what traits, specifically, mold someone into a leader like this? And how can you become such a leader?

In my experience as a leadership coach, I’ve identified several traits that make a good leader (I discuss ten of them in my book The Ten-Minute Leadership Challenge and elaborate on these traits in my online course). Though there are many personal attributes that contribute to effective leadership, I’d like to focus on 5 of them in this article.

These 5 traits are essential—a great starting point for anyone who is hoping to up their leadership game. Keep them in mind and work toward embodying each one. Like anything in life, this takes good self-awareness, intention, and practice.

Clarity

An effective leader makes clarity a top priority—clarity in communication, expectations, problem solving, and more. Without clarity, a leader’s team may become confused and frustrated, leading to decreased productivity and morale. A leader who prioritizes clarity takes the time to articulate goals and expectations, communicates regularly and transparently, and provides the necessary resources for their team to succeed.

Authenticity

Have you ever worked alongside someone who tended to exaggerate, or always seemed to be putting on a show, or only told partial truths? Many of us can sense when someone is not being forthcoming or genuine. As a leader, it’s important to be true to yourself and your values. Authenticity means being honest and transparent, admitting when you don’t know something, and daring to be yourself (flaws and all!). When a leader is authentic, team members tend to show greater trust and respect, which can create a culture of openness and collaboration.

Advocacy

A good leader advocates for their team members and makes sure everyone feels respected and included. Inclusivity is vital to a healthy work environment. A leader who advocates for their team actively listens to feedback and concerns, takes them seriously, and acts to address them. They give credit where credit is due and offer constructive criticism and support when needed. If a project fails or produces a less-than-perfect outcome, an excellent leader does not throw their team under the bus, but instead shoulders the responsibility and reframes the failure as an opportunity to improve and learn from mistakes.

Reliability

If you expect your team to be reliable, you have to lead by example. That means following through on commitments, meeting deadlines, and doing what you say you will do. A reliable leader establishes trust by consistently delivering high-quality work and keeping their promises. They are dependable and consistent, which generates a sense of stability and confidence among team members.

Courageousness

Effective leaders do the right thing, even when they know it will be difficult. That might mean having the courage to admit when you’re wrong, changing directions when a project isn’t working, or standing up for your team. It’s important to note that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. A good leader takes calculated risks and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations or decisions. They are willing to face criticism or pushback if it means doing what’s best for their team or organization.

These 5 traits are not the only ones that make a great leader, but they are certainly crucial. By focusing on clarity, authenticity, advocacy, reliability, and courageousness, you can build a strong foundation for your leadership brand. Keep in mind, these traits are not innate qualities that some people simply possess and others do not; they can be developed and strengthened over time with practice and self-awareness. With dedication and effort, you can become the kind of leader that inspires and motivates others to be their best selves.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: attributes of top leader, become highly effective leader, effective leadership qualities, Margaret Smith business coach, margaret smith leadership, traits of effective leader