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Top 12 Attributes Of Effective Leaders
Written by: Sharon MikrutArticle Overview: Have you ever wondered why some people make great leaders yet others fail at it? I believe that effective leaders share a common set of attributes. This article identifies 12 attributes I feel best exemplify great leaders. Do you possess any or all of these attributes?
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Top 12 Attributes Of Effective Leaders
Have you ever wondered why some individuals make great leaders yet, no matter what they do or how hard they try, others fail at leadership? Most likely, it's because great leaders share a common set of attributes that inspire others to follow them. If you want to be a leader in your field but are not sure how to go about it, let's explore what you can do to become an effective leader. Having been a leader and observing leaders over the years, the following is a list of those attributes I feel best exemplify true leaders.
1. Leaders possess charisma. They are positive, friendly, engaged, and fun. There's that "something special" that makes one want to be around them.
2. Leaders exhibit a high degree of integrity. They are honest, ethical, responsible, and follow through on what they commit to. You can always depend on them.
3. Leaders have a high energy level. They are always on the go, whether it involve talking to stakeholders, working on projects, putting out fires, or promoting their organization in the community. They tend to work extra hours to ensure that the organization remains operationally stable and fiscally sound.
4. Leaders have a clear vision of where they want to go, they are passionate about it, and they communicate this vision to ensure their staff members are on the same page. They are excellent strategic planners, and meet goals and objectives in a timely manner, without compromising quality.
5. Leaders are great decision makers. They display objectivity when examining an issue, gather all pertinent facts, carefully weight the pros and cons, and make decisions that best meet the needs of their customers and organization. They take responsibility for and stand by their decisions, knowing that not everyone will agree with them.
6. Leaders are experts in their respective industry. They read industry related publications, and keep on top of research, legislation, regulations, trends, statistics, and other information relevant to their industry. They are able to field industry related questions with ease, confidence, and expertise.
7. Leaders view the organization's customers as their top priority and, as a result, ensure there are exemplary customer service practices in place. They listen to their customers, and develop or modify programs and services to best meet their needs.
8. Leaders hire, develop, and retain quality staff members. Good staff members understand the organization's vision, and are able to successfully implement the organization's mission. Haven't you ever heard the old adage that you (executive directors, administrators, presidents) are only as good as your staff?
9. Leaders know how to let go and delegate responsibilities to their staff. They trust and empower their team, allowing them to grow, shine, and succeed.
10. Leaders are accessible to their staff members and stakeholders, and maintain an open door policy. They allot time to solicit and listen to input and feedback, and are as flexible and generous with their time as possible. They allow individuals to express their needs and concerns in a safe environment.
11. Leaders are organized and possess excellent time management skills. They know where everything is at, resulting in greater efficiency. They manage their time well, assuring that the most important priorities are taken care of first. They use every minute of their day wisely.
12. Leaders are superb multi-taskers. They are able to absorb information quickly and handle multiple projects at the same time. They know the status of their projects at any given time.
If you aspire to be a leader but are not quite there, your style may be lacking one or more of the above attributes. Review your leadership style, with careful attention to each of these attributes. Be honest with yourself. Do you have these attributes or not? If not, consider working on those you don't possess. At the very least, you will become a more effective and respected leader.
Copyright 2009 © Sharon L. Mikrut, All rights reserved.
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Article Tags: attributes, charisma, clear vision, decision makers, effective leader, energy level, fiscally sound, goals and objectives, great leaders, high energy, objectivity, page nbsp, pertinent facts, pros and cons, putting out fires, related publications, something special, staff members, timely manner, true leaders
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About the Author: Sharon Mikrut RSS for Sharon's articles - Visit Sharon's website  If you want to make positive changes in your professional life, and create the job or career you desire and deserve, then working with Executive & Life Coach, Sharon L. Mikrut, is the solution. Although her specialty is in partnering with nonprofit executive directors and managers to maximize their resources in a competitive environment, she is passionate about working with all individuals committed to personal and/or professional growth. Visit her website (http://www.createitcoaching.org), Nonprofit Professionals blog (http://www.createitcoaching.com), or Empowerment blog (http://www.createitcoaching.net), and sign up for her free monthly nonprofit and/or life coaching newsletters. Sharon has two BA degrees (Social Work and Psychology) from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Social Work Administration from the University of Michigan. In addition, she is a Coach Training Alliance certified coach. Click here to visit Sharon's website   Grant Applications Common Sections Requiring Completion If Happiness Is A Choice How Can You Create It Five Tips for Fighting Fairly Developing a Social Media Presence on Facebook Is It for Your Nonprofit Organization 20 Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit Organizations |
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