A leader can be described as a person at the head of a group of followers. To achieve and maintain such a position, there are certain leadership qualities that a person generally needs. These include honesty, integrity, and receptiveness.
There are some qualities that can enhance leaders, but without which they can still be effective. Strong character is one the leadership qualities that is essential to all leaders. Character is a wide range of traits that collectively identifies a person. This includes values, morals, and methods. In order for a person to be a good leader, he must generally have a clear and distinct identity, and he must be aware of it.
Character usually needs to be accented with integrity. This is a quality that allows outsiders, including followers, to know what to expect from a person. This does not necessarily mean that a leader is wholly predictable. Rather, it means that his words, actions, and decisions will be bound to certain standards that are defined by his character.
Receptiveness is one of the leadership qualities that can allow a leader to grow. Being at the head of a group does not make a person all-knowing. This is why most great leaders are surrounded by great advisers. A leader typically needs to be able to listen. He also needs to be able to observe what is going on around him.
With receptiveness comes decisiveness. A leader needs to take in information, but ultimately many final decisions will be his own. When the time comes for decisions to be made, he must be able to do so. The decisions that he makes should be based on solid characteristics and not on unleashed emotions.
Certain leadership qualities can be difficult to uphold at all times, but it is important that a leader strives to do so. One example is honesty. Many of the things that a leader encounters may not be easy to share with his followers, but still, he should not deceive them. Doing so not only could result in a setback to a cause or organization, but it could also damage the level of respect that people have for the leader.
Another of the leadership qualities that may be difficult to uphold at all times is the need to display humility. Leaders should have causes and objectives. This means that at all times they are aware that they are not in a position to serve and cater to themselves. A good leader must be able to put others first and to prioritize the needs and concerns of others above his own. He must also be able to admit faults and difficulties.
