Ten Virtues of a Great Leader

From what I've observed, leadership decisions are often complex - yet the pathway to great leadership is relatively simple.    Great leadership is marked by (at least) ten virtues.

Visibility:  People want to follow the leader who is visible - because if they can't see the leader they very well can't follow the leader.   Time and again, I have seen even small absences by the leader questioned by the workplace.  "Where is he/she?    We haven't seen her/him. . . something must be up."   Be visible and connect with the workplace.

Partnering:  Build bridges. . .not turrets.  Don't worry that by allowing others access you and your group won't get enough credit.   At the end of the day, you are judged by the success of the entire enterprise.

Ability to Roll with the Punches.  In other words, flexibility.   You can react to the challenges issued by the world around you because you have a skill set and belief system that allows you to make the best out of what you have been given.

Realism.    Neither pessimistic nor optimistic, a realist is balanced by facts and accurate assessments.  

A Sense of Humor.    People don't like "cranky."   "Cranky" is difficult to follow.

Confidence.     Simply put, there are few things more difficult than the insecure leader.

Multi-Dimensional.    The great leader can function  in many skill sets and work with many personality types.  Versus "my way or the highway",  the multi-dimensional leader can lead her or his team to success because they have many positive attributes.

Integrity.   Truth is the foundation upon which all else is built.

Listening.     I'm not convinced one needs to be a great speaker to be a great leader;   absolutely, they must be a great listener.

Likability.  The adage of "it's not my job to be liked" is simply an excuse to be an ass.   It is 100% true that the leader often has to do things that members of the team do not like - those are actions, not characteristics.     Every single one of us wants to follow someone  we like.  Yes, it is your job to be liked.

Selflessness.   It's not about you - it's about your team

Lest you think I can't count, yes, I know, I listed eleven virtues.   It takes more than ten to be a great leader.

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Brent Frerichs it the author of "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" available for e-readers, tablets and PCs from Amazon Kindle.