Ex-leader Shares Top 25 Qualities of a Good Leader

When it comes to the world of work, I’ve been around. After working for more than 20 employers throughout my career, I’ve had my fair share of great leaders, poor leaders, abusive leader, and uplifting leaders. In fact, my experiences led me to becoming a Leadership Coach that partners with organizations to train new and aspiring leaders on the essential leadership skills. From creating courses for LinkedIn to presenting on leadership topics at conferences, I’m excited to share my list for the most important Qualities of a Good Leader with you!

So, what qualities make a good leader? Well, I’m sure you know that it’s a pretty loaded question. There isn’t just one quality, but rather a combination of them. You can’t be strong in just one quality and rely on that while letting the others lack. I should also mention, everyone’s leadership style is different, but true leaders who want to become a role model and lead in the best way will embody many of the essential leadership qualities in this article. 

Skills for the modern manager from Skills for Your First 90 Days as a New Manager by Chelsea Jay

Choosing to step into a leadership position is a big responsibility. It takes a lot of hard work, personal development, and continuous learning. The reality is you have the power to deeply impact someone’s life. Either you can support and improve their careers, or you can cause long-term trauma. This is why management training is essential for managers. My goal is to encourage more employers across the globe to invest in professional development training for their employees. If you want to bring training into your organization, feel free to reach out to me to get started.

Now it’s time to dive into the top qualities of a strong leadership. Along with listing the qualities, I’m going to provide a quick tip on how to develop this quality.

Top 25 Qualities of a Good Leader

1. The Desire to be a Leader

Many professionals are so caught up in wanting a better title or bigger paycheck that they forget the most important aspect. Most people forget to ask themselves, “do I want to be a leader?” or “do I truly have the desire to lead others?” Having a positive attitude about leadership and the desire to be a leader is fundamental because guides their actions, decisions, and behaviors. This intrinsic motivation ensures that leaders are passionate about their roles and committed to their responsibilities. It fosters a sense of purpose and dedication, which is contagious and can inspire others to follow and support their vision. 

Tip to Develop: Reflect on your personal motivations and goals. Identify what excites you about leadership and seek out leadership roles in volunteer organizations or projects to gain experience and see if you actually like it before fully committing to it.

2. Courage

Leading people isn’t for the weak and it’s not easy and you will encounter difficult times where tough decisions will need to be made. Courage is a must for leaders as it empowers them to take risks, make difficult decisions, and stand up for their values and beliefs. It also enables leaders to navigate uncertainty and adversity with confidence (ultimately being at peace internally). Courageous leaders are also more likely to innovate, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo, driving progress and improvement within their teams and organizations. 

Tip to Develop: Courage is like a muscle; you have to continuously work on it to build it up. You can start by taking small risks and gradually increase the stakes as you build confidence. Practice making decisions and standing by them, even when faced with opposition.

3. Creative

Don’t be a “this is the way it’s always been done,” type of leader. Get those creative juices flowing. The best leaders are those that can think outside of the box and come up with solutions that may not be deemed as “traditional.” Creativity in leadership allows for innovative problem-solving and the ability to envision and implement new strategies and ideas. When creative leaders think outside the box, they ultimately encourage their teams to do the same which helps foster an environment of innovation, excitement, and one where people are excited to try new things and contribute without fear of failure or retaliation. 

Tip to Develop: What gets your imagination flowing? Try engaging in activities that stimulate your mind and inspire your levels of creativity. You can try brainstorming sessions, reading diverse materials, and exploring new hobbies. Encourage creative thinking in your team by valuing and rewarding innovative ideas.

4. Even-Keeled

The workplace is no place for meltdowns, outbursts, or temper tantrums. I always like to remind leaders that employees don’t always remember what you say, but they will remember the behavior you display. Being even-keeled means maintaining composure and stability under pressure. Leaders who remain calm and collected can make more rational decisions and are better equipped to manage crises. 

I also have to mention that energy is contagious. The behavior that leaders exhibit is the behavior that the majority of their staff members will exhibit too. Why? Because the tone has been set on what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. 

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This professional quality also helps to build trust and confidence among team members, as they know they can rely on their leader to remain steady in challenging situations. 

Tip to Develop: Ever heard the saying “your vibe is your tribe” or “your tribe is your vibe.” From experience, I can tell you that this is 1000% true. The people that you choose to surround yourself with have a heavy impact on your attitude, overall well-being, and perception on situations and life. 

I want to encourage you to surround yourself with people who maintain their composure at least 90% of the time. I promise it will rub off. You can also practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and regular exercise. Develop a habit of pausing before reacting to stressful situations to maintain your composure. Finally, if you need a therapist or coach to help you work through techniques that work for you, don’t be afraid to go after that support!

5. Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility between leaders and their entire team. Leaders with integrity adhere to strong moral and ethical principles, ensuring their actions align with their words. This consistency fosters a culture of honesty and accountability, encouraging team members to act with integrity themselves (remember, energy is contagious and for many employees, leaders are seen as role models). Integrity in leadership also promotes a positive, healthy, and safe organizational culture. 

Tip to Develop: Take time to define your core values and ensure your actions align with them. This practice ensures that you know what direction you want to go in as a person and as a leader. It will also guide your decision making. Make sure to also hold yourself accountable for your decisions and be transparent with your team.

6. Cultural Awareness

Have you ever been involved in a “cringy” moment where a leader changed their voice, tone, or made an assumption based on someone’s cultural background? Our workplaces are melting pots and by now, every leader should understand and respect this. 

Cultural awareness is crucial for leaders in diverse and globalized environments. Understanding and respecting cultural differences enables leaders to communicate effectively, build inclusive teams, and create a supportive work environment. Culturally aware leaders can navigate cross-cultural challenges and leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce to achieve common goals. 

Tip to Develop: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Step outside of your comfort zone, ask questions, be willing to learn from others, and work on personal biases. You can also educate yourself about different cultures through reading, travel, and intentionally engaging with diverse groups through volunteer work or building friendships. I also recommend attending cultural competence workshops online or in-person in your community. 

7. Curious

The most effective leaders I’ve ever met are those who ask questions out of genuine curiosity. This is because curiosity drives leaders to seek knowledge, explore new ideas, and continuously learn. This quality fosters a growth mindset and adaptability, which helps leaders stay ahead of industry trends and developments. Curious leaders are also more open to feedback and new perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions and improvements within their organizations. 

Tip to Develop: Cultivate a habit of asking questions and seeking new information. Set aside time each week to learn something new related to your field or interests.

8. Straightforward

Ever heard the phrase, “don’t beat around the bush?” In the workplace, being straightforward is necessary to getting work done efficiently and avoiding misunderstandings. Being straightforward means communicating clearly and honestly. Leaders who are transparent and direct in their communication build trust and reliability among their team. This quality ensures that team members understand expectations, receive constructive feedback, and feel valued for their contributions. Straightforward leaders create an environment of openness and accountability. 

Tip to Develop: Practice clear and concise communication. Be honest and direct while remaining respectful and considerate of others’ feelings. Remember, when it comes to communication, everyone has a different preference so as you are working on this skill, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your team, manager, or mentors. 

9. Authentic

As people, we crave real connection, sincerity, and genuineness. As an ex-Director, employees often told me they appreciated my authenticity.  Authenticity in leadership involves being true to oneself and one’s values. Authentic leaders are genuine and transparent, which helps build trust and rapport with their teams. By showing their true selves, authentic leaders create a culture of honesty and integrity, encouraging others to do the same. This level of authenticity fosters stronger connections and loyalty within the team. 

Tip to Develop: Reflect on your core values and ensure your actions and decisions align with them. Share your experiences and perspectives openly with your team. Be honest, avoid trying to appear perfect or saying “what sounds right.” Instead, say what’s real and they will respect you more. 

10. Trustworthy

Have you ever worked for someone you didn’t trust? If so, you know how much it can negatively impact your performance and desire to even be there. The importance of trustworthiness is this…trustworthy leaders are reliable and dependable, consistently delivering on their promises and commitments. Trustworthiness is crucial for building strong, effective teams and fostering a positive work environment. When team members trust their leader, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to achieving organizational goals. 

Tip to Develop: Practice being consistent and reliable. Don’t overpromise or commit to tasks you cannot complete. Follow through on your commitments and communicate openly with your team.

11. Flexible

It’s rare that things ever go “according to plan.” With emerging technology, new trends, different priorities, and the economy, you should always expect the unexpected. This is where flexibility comes in. Flexibility allows leaders to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to new challenges effectively. Flexible leaders can pivot strategies, embrace new ideas, and adjust their approach as needed. This quality is essential in dynamic environments where agility and responsiveness are key to success. 

Tip to Develop: Avoid saying things like “this is the only way it will work” or “this is our only option.” Newsflash, it rarely ever is. Practice flexibility by being open to new ideas and willing to change your plans when necessary. Encourage your team to be flexible and innovative in their approach.

12. Adaptable

Adaptability goes hand in hand with flexibility, enabling leaders to thrive in changing conditions. Adaptable leaders are open to new information and willing to adjust their plans accordingly. This quality ensures that leaders can navigate uncertainty and guide their teams through transitions smoothly, maintaining productivity and morale. 

Tip to Develop: Embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth. Stay informed about industry trends and be willing to adjust your strategies accordingly. There are also many training opportunities in change management and I highly recommend you take the time to participate in those for strategies on how to cope with change. 

13. Self-Aware

In all honesty, I should’ve listed this in the Top 5 Qualities of a Good Leader. Self-awareness rules employee experience because it guides leaders actions, words, thoughts, and willingness to seek feedback and improve. Self-awareness allows leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others. This introspection helps leaders to continuously improve and make informed decisions. Self-aware leaders can manage their emotions, respond to feedback constructively, and foster a culture of continuous development within their teams. 

Tip to Develop: Regularly seek feedback from people you trust and reflect on your experiences. Engage in self-assessment exercises and consider working with a coach, mentor, or therapist. Don’t be afraid to set regular goals for self-improvement. 

14. Self-Esteem

Leaders who compete with their staff… or worse, are jealous of a staff member end up creating a toxic work environment. Leaders with self-esteem understand their talents, what they contribute, and why it’s beneficial to hire people who are smarter! Healthy self-esteem also gives leaders the confidence to take initiative and assert their ideas. 

Leaders with strong self-esteem are more resilient in the face of criticism and setbacks. This quality ensures that leaders can maintain their motivation and inspire confidence in their teams, even during challenging times. 

Tip to Develop: Focus on your achievements and strengths. Practice positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts. Set realistic goals and celebrate your successes. If you begin to notice that you are getting jealous or envious of someone else, ask yourself why. If they embody a trait or have a skill that you want, shadow them and ask them for guidance. You can simply say, “I admire this about you, any tips on how I can become stronger in that area.” Look at that, you made a friend and gained a skill! 

15. Confidence

Confidence is necessary for leadership as it instills trust and assurance in others. Confident leaders are decisive, take bold actions, and inspire their teams to achieve ambitious goals. This quality enables leaders to effectively communicate their vision and rally support from their team members and stakeholders. A confident leader also encourages their team members to be confident in the skills, ideas, contributions, and actions they take as well. 

Tip to Develop: You can build confidence by setting and achieving small goals. Practice public speaking and decision-making in low-risk situations to build your confidence gradually.

16. Comfortable with Conflict

With a diverse group of people working together, there WILL ALWAYS be conflict. Leaders need this skill because pushing issues under the rug or ignoring them only leads to resentment, poor behavior, minimal productivity, and a toxic work environment. 

Being comfortable with conflict allows leaders to address issues directly and constructively. Leaders who can navigate conflict effectively can mediate disputes, find mutually beneficial solutions, and maintain a harmonious work environment. This quality ensures that conflicts are resolved quickly and do not hinder team morale. 

Tip to Develop: Develop your conflict resolution skills by taking courses or workshops. Practice active listening and empathetic communication when addressing conflicts. You can also shadow other leaders who excel in navigating conflict. 

17. Natural Advocate

You are your employees mouth piece when they’re not in the room. They are relying on you to advocate for their goals, dreams, and well-being. Natural advocates also champion their team members and their ideas. They actively promote and support their team’s contributions, helping to build a sense of value and recognition. This advocacy fosters a positive and motivating work environment, encouraging team members to take initiative and strive for excellence. 

Tip to Develop: Actively seek opportunities to recognize and promote your team’s achievements. Advocate for their ideas and provide support and resources to help them succeed.

18. Open

Can your employees come talk to you and tell you what’s on their mind without fear of retaliation or judgement? Openness in leadership involves being receptive to new ideas, feedback, and different perspectives. Open leaders create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This quality promotes innovation and collaboration, as team members are more likely to share their ideas and contribute to the organization’s success. 

Tip to Develop: Foster an open-door policy and encourage regular feedback from your team. Be willing to listen and consider different perspectives before making decisions. Most importantly, when employees give you feedback… LISTEN! And TAKE ACTION. The worst thing you can do is “listen” with no intention of actually putting in the work. 

19. Humble and Okay with Sharing the Spotlight

As a leader, it’s important to remember, you are a small part of the equation. It’s important to remember that “it’s not all about you.” Humility allows leaders to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others. Leaders who are humble and willing to share the spotlight foster a collaborative and supportive team culture. This quality ensures that team members feel valued and motivated, leading to higher levels of engagement and performance. 

Tip to Develop: Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of your team members. Practice gratitude and remain grounded by focusing on the collective success of the team.

20. Emotional Intelligence

Connection mixed with understanding is necessary to build relationships and foster trust. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, build strong relationships, and create a positive work environment. This quality is essential for effective communication, conflict resolution, and team cohesion. 

Tip to Develop: Practice mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to manage your emotions. Develop your empathy by actively listening and showing compassion towards others.

21. Patience

Patience allows leaders to navigate challenges and setbacks without becoming frustrated or discouraged. Leaders who are patient can take the time to understand issues thoroughly and make thoughtful decisions. This quality ensures that leaders can maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even in stressful situations, fostering a supportive and resilient team environment. 

Tip to Develop: Practice patience by taking deep breaths and counting to ten before reacting to challenging situations. Set realistic expectations and allow time for growth and development.

22. Problem Solver

You’re the person everyone will need answers from so you’ll need to be a problem-solver. Problem-solving skills are crucial for leaders to identify, analyze, and resolve issues efficiently. Leaders who are adept at problem-solving can navigate challenges and implement effective solutions. This quality ensures that leaders can maintain productivity and drive progress, even in the face of obstacles. Also, problem-solving helps give your team confidence and security in your abilities to steer them in the right direction. 

Tip to Develop: Practice strategic thinking by analyzing problems and creating solutions. Use a systematic approach to identify root causes and develop actionable solutions.

23. Empathetic

Everyone wants and wishes for an empathetic leader. In fact, the most successful leaders have this trait. The people you work with are human. They will have good days and bad days (at and outside of work). This is why empathy is so important. Empathy allows leaders to understand and connect with their team members’ feelings and perspectives. Empathetic leaders can build strong, supportive relationships and create a positive work environment. This quality is essential for fostering trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging within the team. 

Tip to Develop: Practice active listening and seek to understand others’ perspectives. Show compassion and support for your team members’ experiences and challenges.

24. Resilient

I often tell new leaders that this one of the essential leadership traits they’ll need to lead and influence a successful team. A resilient leader is unstoppable. Keep in mind, things will go wrong, you will be disappointed at times, you will encounter a difficult time, and as mentioned earlier, things won’t always go as planned. You need to have a strong bounce-back game to get through this. Resilience enables leaders to bounce back from setbacks and persevere through challenges. Resilient leaders can maintain their focus and motivation, even in difficult circumstances. This quality ensures that leaders can guide their teams through adversity and inspire them to keep striving for success. 

Tip to Develop: Build resilience by developing a positive mindset and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities for growth.

25. Clear Communicator

Employees do their best work when directions and expectations are clear! Clear communication is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who practice open communication can convey their ideas and expectations clearly and concisely ensure that their team members understand their roles and responsibilities. This quality promotes transparency, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances team collaboration and productivity. 

Tip to Develop: Practice clear and concise communication by organizing your thoughts before speaking or writing. Use simple and direct language to convey your message effectively.

I hope after reading this list of qualities of a good leader, you’re leaving with seeing the big picture of what successful leadership looks like. 

You hold a lot of power if you are in a leadership role. Leaders are powerful and shape cultures, employee experiences, and professional growth. Without good leadership, teams struggle to move forward. As you can see from this list, there is not one quality that is superior to another. Instead, the characteristics of a good leader are a combination of things that leaders must master not to just thrive for themselves, but also allow their teams to thrive when working under them. 

I hope you found this list of qualities of a good leader beneficial. If you are a current or aspiring leader, or a looking to become a better leader, I encourage you to save this list and commit to working on each quality. Hold yourself accountable by setting realistic goals and building partnerships with people who will give honest feedback and hold your feet to the fire when you’re slacking. 

If you are an employee who wants to contribute to building a better workplace environment, please share this resource with your leadership team. I’m also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor who has two courses on management. You can check them out and share them here. Chelsea Jay Training Courses | LinkedIn Learning

As always, I’m rooting your for success!

Cheers!