5 TRAITS OF THE BEST LEADERS

1 SELF AWARENESS Great leaders have the capacity for introspect. Knowing your values, motives, principles and philosophies creates a greater chance of illustrating authenticity.

2 COMMUNICATION Be able to relay business strategy, numbers and vision, and connect with others emotionally across the wider organisation. Employees may be disappointed to hear challenging news, but a leader with integrity will gain greater traction long term.

3 EMPATHY Empathetic leaders can demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity, which requires active listening and an appreciation of a team’s underlying feelings. Top leaders show compassion and conviction when building something bigger than themselves.

4 RESILIENCE This involves persistence, mental toughness and ability to bounce back. It creates psychological wellbeing, which helps to avoid burnout and anxiety.

5 AGILITY Agile leaders are participative, delegative, consultative or directive when needed. Those who can harness more than two styles can reach a wider audience.