Leadership Traits of Good Leaders

"Effective leadership is the only competitive advantage that will endure. That's because leadership has two sides - what a person is (character) and what a person does (competence)."
Stephen Covey

As in my last post, tonight's post will be on the subject of leadership and the traits that make a good leader. Traits are qualities or characteristics of a person and the sum total of these traits make up what we refer to as character. There are literally hundreds of personality traits but I want to focus on the ones that are part of a good leader's makeup. The traits needed by a good leader are the same whether you are a leader in the Marines, a large corporation, community group or hold a political office. Here are the leadership traits as defined by the Marine Corps field manual "Leading Marines".

1. Integrity – Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles; includes the qualities of truthfulness and honesty.

2. Knowledge – Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one’s information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.

3. Courage – The mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a person to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

4. Decisiveness – Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.

5. Dependability – The certainty of proper performance of duty.

6. Initiative – Taking action in the absence of orders.

7. Tact – The ability to deal with others without creating offense.

8. Justice – Giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case in question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.

9. Enthusiasm – The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

10. Bearing – Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance and personal conduct at all times.

11. Endurance – The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship.

12. Unselfishness – Avoidance of providing for one’s own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

13. Loyalty – The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit, to one’s seniors, subordinates and peers.

14. Judgment – The ability to weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions.