Even with all your ducks in a row, one will escape.  Leadership shows how you deal with it. ~ Kayla Fioravanti

Character Traits of a Successful Leader 

 Leadership has everything to do with character - who you are not what you do.  

INTEGRITY 

Leaders must be honest, credible and completely trustworthy.  A person with integrity doesn't twist facts for personal gains, is willing to stand up for what is right, keeps promises, and can be counted on to tell the truth.  A person with integrity makes sound decisions, especially when faced with moments of indecision, temptation and conflict. Without integrity, no leader can be successful.

RESPECT 

Respect helps create a culture of teamwork.  Leaders who demonstrate respect show a high regard for others, acknowledging their values.  Respect is important in all situations, especially during times of conflict or criticism.  It is important for leaders to develop and embrace the following qualities of respect: Empathy, Lack of Blame, Humility, and Emotional Mastery.

Empathy

Leaders earn trust by relating to everyone in the office with understanding.  A person who demonstrates the core quality of empathy:

• Understands others' points of view including those that are different from his or her own
• Shows genuine concern for others
• Listens with understanding
• Exhibits respect even when he or she has nothing to gain from the relationship

Lack of Blame

Good leaders reflect honestly on their own behavior and can admit their mistakes.  They don't become defensive and blame others when things go wrong.  Rather than spending time assigning blame, leaders spend time fixing problems.  A person who demonstrates the core quality of lack of blame:

• Admits fault when appropriate
• Doesn't look for a scapegoat in a crisis
• Spends time fixing problems, not assigning blame
• Avoids "us vs. them" thinking

Humility

Leaders with humility shun pompous and arrogant behavior. They realize that we all fail.  People who demonstrate humility don't think less of themselves; they just think more of others.  A person with the core quality of humility:

• Listens to others with an open mind
• Doesn't brag or name-drop
• Clearly sees and admits his or her limitations and failings
• Shows vulnerability without fear

Emotional Mastery

"It is not the facts and events that upset man but the view he takes of them."  ~ Epictetus

Leaders who have developed emotional mastery recognize that controlling anger may be the most important aspect. Outbursts of anger can quickly destroy a sense of partnership.  A person with the core quality of emotional mastery:

• Says what he or she thinks but never berates others.
• Stays calm even in crisis situations.
• Doesn't let anxiety interfere with public speaking or other critical tasks.
• Reflects before reacting and consciously chooses an appropriate response.