Whether you have worked your way up the corporate ladder or started your own business, the path to leadership isn’t an easy one. There will be good times, stressful times, and terrible times, but a great leader is always able to lead a team to success, regardless of the situation at hand. Simply holding a position in leadership doesn’t make someone a good leader. A truly great leader understands the many different factors that come with leading others, and strives to help others reach their goals; they are always developing themselves, and act as visionaries for their organization. Leadership is one of the hottest topics in the business world, with millions of publications on the subject; from books, to blogs, to articles and more. We gathered some of the leadership qualities that we believe are possessed by many of the world's greatest leaders and formed the list below.

2. Qualities 1
They Form Personal Connections
Even in a crowded room, great leaders make people feel
like they’re having a one-on-one conversation, as if they’re
the only person in the room that matters. And, for that
moment, they are. Great leaders communicate on a very
personal, emotional level. They never forget that there’s a
flesh-and-blood human being standing in front of them.

3. Qualities 2
They are approachable
You know those people who only have time for you if you
can do something for them? Great leaders truly believe that
everyone, regardless of rank or ability, is worth their time
and attention. They make everyone feel valuable because
they believe that everyone is valuable..

4. Qualities 3
They are Confident but not arrogant
Great leaders are self-assured and very confident in
themselves. Employees are naturally drawn to them, as
they impart a strong sense of self-confidence. You know
you possess this type of confidence when you don't shy
away from challenges. Your confidence conveys a sense of
calm during turbulent times, and great leaders do not waver
once they commit to a course of action.

5. Qualities 4
They are Persuasive communicators
Great leaders are self-assured and very confident in
themselves. Employees are naturally drawn to them, as
they impart a strong sense of self-confidence. You know
you possess this type of confidence when you don't shy
away from challenges. Your confidence conveys a sense of
calm during turbulent times, and great leaders do not waver
once they commit to a course of action.

6. Qualities 5
They are Humble
Great leaders don’t act as though they’re better than you
because they don’t think that they’re better than you. Rather
than being a source of prestige, they see their leadership
position as bringing them additional accountability for
serving those who follow them.

7. Qualities 6
They are Even Keeled
When it comes to their own accomplishments and failures,
great leaders take things in stride. They don’t toot their own
horns, nor do they get rattled when they blow it. They savor
success without letting it go to their heads, and they readily
acknowledge failure without getting mired in it. They learn
from both and move on.
.

8. Qualities 7
They Demonstrate Integrity
Great leaders inspire trust and admiration through
their actions, not just their words. Many leaders say that
integrity is important to them, but great leaders walk their
talk by demonstrating integrity every day. Even a leader
who oozes charm won’t be likable if that charm isn’t backed
by a solid foundation of integrity.
.

9. Qualities 8
They Appreciate Potential
Robert Brault said, “Charisma is not so much getting
people to like you as getting people to like themselves
when you’re around.” Great leaders not only see the best in
their people, but they also make sure that everyone else
sees it too. They draw out people’s talents so that everyone
is bettering themselves and the work at hand..
.

10. Qualities 9
They have a Sense Of Purpose
Whereas vision is a clear idea of where you’re going, a
sense of purpose refers to an understanding of whyyou’re
going there. People like to feel like they’re part of something
bigger than themselves. Great leaders give people that
feeling.
.

11. Qualities 10
Their Adherence to the Golden Rule +1
The Golden Rule—treat others as you want to be treated—
assumes that all people are the same. It assumes that, if
you treat your followers the way you would want a leader to
treat you, they’ll be happy. It ignores that people are
motivated by vastly different things. One person loves
public recognition, while another loathes being the center of
attention.
.

12. Bringing It All Together
Becoming a great leader doesn’t mean that you have to
incorporate all of these traits at once. Focus on one or two
at a time; each incremental improvement will make you
more effective. It’s okay if you “act“ some of these qualities
at first. The more you practice, the more instinctive it will
become, and the more you’ll internalize your new
leadership style.
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