The Key Traits of Effective Leaders

The Key Traits of Effective Leaders

There has always been a debate about over whether great leaders are born or bred. Regardless of how a leader develops as a significant figure in business, one thing remains constant: charisma. The quality of being able to captivate others is a key trait that every leader must possess.

Being the center of attention is a useless leadership trait in itself. The ability to convert an audience’s attention with a purpose, lesson, or other message is how a charismatic leader takes the reins and realizes the potential of a following. A mob accomplishes chaos, but an organization under the guidance of a focused leader produces achievements.

While charisma contributes to a leader’s effectiveness in gathering an audience, it is not a solely mandatory quality. Leadership arises from a core group of varied traits that — in unison — contribute to one person’s ability to bring many people together.

Recognizing Effective Leaders

Histories, businesses, and societies around the global are peppered with stories of great leaders. The men and women who can rally teams to focus on goals, the betterment of lives, and successful ventures have established their places in time by relying on inherent and learned traits and skills.

Highly Effective Communication

Successful leaders know how to use various forms of communication to convey a message. They write, talk, and exercise non-verbal body language to reach everyone in an audience and appeal to a broad range of peers. Effective communication stems from a rich vocabulary, dynamic expressiveness, and most importantly, active listening. Leaders know to do more than simply orate. They understand how to pay attention to the following and incorporate what they hear in their own messages.

Establish and Accomplish Goals

It is difficult to invest energy, time, or money in a person who has no goals. Leaders inspire others to give to a cause — for business, social change, political aspirations — by demonstrating that they can set and achieve personal and organizational goals. Setting benchmarks provide a measuring stick by which leaders and groups determine success. For an effective leader, a missed goal is not necessarily an indicator of failure. Set against the backdrop of historical achievements, when leaders persist in the pursuit of their goals it sets an example for all to follow.

Rely on Personality

Charisma is a trait that stems from a leader’s individual personality. Effective and charismatic leaders know how to employ creativity and vision to accomplish goals for the group. They have a personal and professional confidence that invites team members, peers, and the public to trust in their abilities and goals. They inspire people with their endless determination and ability to produce results.

Develop Skills that Emphasize Charisma

Every person is born with inherent personality traits and abilities that contribute to effective leadership skills. Sometimes, developing those skills requires a mentor and guidance. Honing effective communication, pronounced goals, and inspirational vision each contributes to a leader’s overall charisma and effectiveness.

At Blackhawk Partners, our own professionals know the value of equipping senior management with the skills to increase charisma, communication, and innovation. With strategic philosophies and actionable solutions, we can guide every executive to breakthrough leadership achievements for complete success in any organizational environment.

 

Written by

Ziad K Abdelnour, Wall Street financier, trader and author is currently President and CEO of Blackhawk Partners Inc., a private equity and physical commodities trading firm based out of New York City, Founder & President of the United States Committee for a Free Lebanon (USCFL), Founder & Chairman of the Financial Policy Council, Member of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Forum and Former President of the Arab Bankers Association of North America.