Whether leaders are born or made, there are 4 essential traits that make them great.

There are two categories of leaders: born leaders and made leaders. Born leaders have innate qualities like humility, charisma, empathy, etc. A study published in the APA (American Psychological Association) indicates that leadership traits are 30% genetic.

And, what about made leaders? They are experienced professionals, who strive to achieve qualities that define great leaders who understand the value of respect, learn to understand people, practice values of integrity and agility to the fullest, and truly and honestly invest in and empower future leaders.

A well-rounded leader not only possesses these skills but also transfers them to their subordinates.

Here are key attributes that every leader should possess to become the most valued visionary:

Self-Awareness:

Self-aware leaders are more adaptive and flexible. Being self-aware helps them be open to feedback and become resilient to the changing dynamics of the people-professional world. A key trait of successful leaders, self-awareness is the defining factor that enables them to address and befriend people around them. Self-awareness stems from personal experiences and the ability to acknowledge and accept one’s biases. People who succeed in this task become visionary leaders who can oversee crises or conflicts and address those at the roots.

Integrity:

Ethical leaders consider honesty as a policy. They use their power and authority for the best outcomes for their team, organization, and their clients. Their dealings are clear and transparent, and everyone is involved and aware of the events concerning them. By showing integrity, great leaders always live up to their words and own their mistakes openly. They don’t back down from complex responsibilities and don’t allow personal or the team’s standards to steep low.

Courage:

Be it addressing conflicts or taking responsibility for mistakes, leadership traits are incomplete without courage. A leader, who is courageous and open, can foster an inclusive work environment, where everyone feels welcomed and belonged. It results in a psychologically safe workplace where employees can contribute their best by taking up their responsibilities with dedication and integrity. Courageous leaders are open to unfiltered feedback and take routes that are not usually preferred, for the benefit of the organization or colleagues.

Empathy:

One of the critical and essential traits for a leader, empathy, plays a significant role in a leader’s career journey. Empathetic leaders are considerate of others, which is imperative for a leader to become a people person. In a diverse world, working across different cultures requires a foundational understanding of people not only to be likable but also to understand their perspectives and experiences for leveraging them for the business to grow.