8 traits of exceptional leadership

THE simplest yet profound definition of leadership is, “Leadership is Influence, nothing more, nothing less.” – John C. Maxwell” Exceptional and transformational leadership involves intentionally guiding individuals and teams with a servant mindset toward a common goal. This occurs while providing unwavering direction and relentless motivation. In our contemporary society, we urgently need assertive servant-leaders who lead by serving with unparalleled courage and exceptional understanding of the dynamics that govern true leadership. Several traits mark a good and transformational effective leader, including but not limited to the following:

Visionary

A truly remarkable transformational leader possesses a clear and compelling vision of a desired outcome that is significantly better than the current state of affairs. With this vision in mind, they inspire and guide people towards a shared goal that is both fulfilling and meaningful. Whether it is a company, a community, church, or a nation, a great leader shoulders the responsibility of leading their entity towards a brighter future and ensuring that everyone involved is working towards the same end.

Communicator

One of the hallmarks of effective and transformational leadership is the ability to communicate proficiently, both in terms of expressing oneself and actively listening. To achieve optimal results in conversational engagements, a leader must be capable of articulating different forms of communication with clarity and precision. As such, a great leader must possess a mastery of communication skills, which includes the aptitude to listen attentively and communicate with diverse audiences using various modes of communication.

Delegator

Effective and transformational leadership involves the ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities to competent individuals. A leader recognises that they cannot do everything and must rely on the expertise and skills of others to accomplish goals. Delegation not only frees up a leader’s time, but it also empowers the individuals who have been assigned the tasks. It is crucial for a leader to trust their team members to complete the tasks assigned to them without constantly checking in or standing over their shoulders. By delegating responsibilities, a leader can focus on their own responsibilities and priorities, while also encouraging growth and development within their team.

Compassionate

Empathy is a crucial quality for a great transformational leader to possess. Leaders who can demonstrate empathy have the ability to emotionally connect with people, to see things from their perspective and to truly understand what they are going through. This emotional understanding allows leaders to demonstrate care and support for those they lead, which can be incredibly valuable in times of crisis or difficulty. By demonstrating empathy, leaders can build trust, foster better relationships and create a more positive and productive work environment. Ultimately, empathy is an essential quality for any leader who wants to create a culture of respect, understanding and collaboration.

Decisive

A great transformational leader must have the ability to make tough decisions and take the necessary steps to change the situation for the betterment of the people they lead. However, it is crucial for a leader to make decisions in consultation with others to ensure the possession of the required wisdom and to maintain checks and balances. Leaders work with people and must therefore value the input of those people in matters that affect them too directly or indirectly.

Being a transformational leader means that you are responsible for the well-being of your people and their future. In making difficult decisions, it is important to consider the long-term impact of those decisions and weigh the pros and cons of each option. This requires a careful and thoughtful analysis of all possible options and the potential consequences of each. This is what great leadership practices which make great leaders rare. In addition, a transformational leader must be open to feedback and input from others, particularly those who have expertise in areas relevant to the decision at hand. This allows for a more well-rounded perspective and can help to identify potential issues or concerns that may not have been considered otherwise.

Self- aware

Exceptional and transformational leadership is founded on the concept of self-awareness. A leader’s self-awareness is characterised by an accurate and constantly evolving appraisal of their personality, motivations, strengths and weaknesses. Without self-awareness, leaders will necessarily be limited in their effectiveness. Therefore, it is critical for leaders to stay abreast of self-learning about themselves and their operating environment. Exceptional leaders always remain ahead of the curve in their thinking, planning and envisioning of various aspects of good leadership and management. They are able to anticipate challenges, adapt to changes and inspire their team towards achieving exceptional results.

Resilient

Exceptional and transformational leaders demonstrate an extraordinary level of determination, yet remain humble and avoid appearing conceited. They exude an aura of unwavering commitment to the progress of those who follow them and the organisation they represent. This requires them to be both courageous and fearless in taking bold steps toward achieving the vision they have set for their team or company. It is worth noting that the position of a leader is not for the faint-hearted. It can be a long and lonely journey, punctuated with moments of self-doubt and criticism. The responsibilities of leadership come with a burden and it takes a strong character to withstand these challenges. Nonetheless, exceptional leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to the cause, inspiring those around them to reach new heights of excellence.

Trustworthy

To truly be an exceptional and transformational leader, one must possess unwavering integrity. This means that whether they are in the spotlight or behind the scenes, they remain true to themselves and their values. Great leadership is built on trust, which is why an exceptional leader must always be honest and consistent in their words, behaviour and actions. When their team members know they can trust their leader, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged and committed to achieving their goals. Exceptional leaders understand the importance of earning and maintaining trust and they go above and beyond to ensure that their team members feel valued and respected.

“Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank and the leader should be like a servant:” Luke 22:26 (NLT) For comments +268 78371391