3 Attributes That Make a Great Leader by Wes and Kristy Mast

If you made a list of characteristics you want to see in a great leader, chances are you’d write down things like: inspiring, tenacious, patient, passionate, humble, a servant, visionary, disciplined, and vulnerable. You might think people are born with these characteristics; that some people are born leaders. It’s true that people can be born with some of these attributes, but that doesn’t make them a great leader. Great leaders aren’t born; they’re grown. It’s something you’ll continue to work on so you can impact those around you. It’s about behaviors and choices. You can decide to be more humble. You can decide to have integrity and do what you say, and say what you mean. That’s the good news! The leadership attributes we’re going to talk about are all things you can develop with intentionality and determination! 

What didn’t make the list

There are a few things you might notice don’t usually come up on peoples’ lists of what makes a great leader. Here are a few to take the pressure off and help quiet the voices that try to say you don’t have what it takes. 

• Can’t make mistakes
• Requires a degree
• Must be a man

Self-Awareness

A great leader is self-aware and understands what their individual strengths and passions are. When you can overlap your competency and your passion, you're left with a dynamic mix that helps you be the best leader you can be. Many times when someone is beginning their leadership journey, they might act a certain way or fall into a certain style of leadership because of examples they’ve seen in their past experiences. It takes time to recognize those things and begin to set intentions and make changes. Try to pay attention to feedback you’re receiving, both verbal and non-verbal and spend time thinking about what you can do differently.

Servant Leadership

When you look at how leadership plays out in our society, it seems like people think leadership is only a position of power. Like it’s all about the corner office, the parking space, and having people to delegate to. In reality, leadership is about serving those you're leading and investing in their growth. As opposed to looking at leadership like it’s a reward, we like to consider it a responsibility. Leading in this way helps your whole team to reach the next level and to be able to break through those ceilings together.

Vulnerability

As a new leader, there is a tendency to feel like you need to come in and prove yourself and to know all the answers. A good established leader knows the truth, though: Great leaders ask great questions. You can learn to be more vulnerable and go first and say, “I don’t have all the answers. I’m going to lead you to the best of my ability, but I need your help.” This demonstrates humility, eagerness to learn, and openness to collaboration. Isn’t it interesting how one leadership quality can lead to growth in other qualities?

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