Qualities of a Leader

These qualities and brief descriptions are from "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" by John C. Maxwell.

CHARACTER - A leader does the right thing even when facing difficult situations.

CHARISMA - A leader is the kind of person others like to spend time with.

COMMITMENT - A leader sets goals, commits to them, and does everything he can to reach them.

COMMUNICATION - A leader inspires, motivates, guides, directs, and listens to his followers so they can understand the goals and accomplish them.

COMPETENCE - A leader speaks, plans, and acts in such a way that others know that he knows how to do what is needed.

COURAGE - A leader does what needs to be done or what should be done even if he is afraid.

DISCERNMENT - A leader understands the root of a situation, even when facing complex issues.

FOCUS - A leader knows his priorities and has the concentration to work towards them.

GENEROSITY - A leader is content with what he has, puts others before himself, and shares his time and resources with others.

INITIATIVE - A leader does not wait for others to motivate them; he knows what he wants, does what is needed to get it, and is willing to take risks and make mistakes along the way.

LISTENING - A leader pays close attention to people and what they have to say; he listens to what he needs to know not just what he wants to hear.

PASSION - A leader loves his work and gives it everything he has.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE - A leader keeps a positive focus even when faced with negativity.

PROBLEM SOLVING - A leader anticipates problems, faces problems, looks at the big picture, and solves problems one at a time.

RELATIONSHIPS - He tries to understand them, care about them, and help them.

RESPONSIBILITY - A leader recognizes that who and where they are remain their responsibility -- not that of anyone else.

SECURITY - A leader believes in himself, knows his strengths and weaknesses, and respects himself.

SELF DISCIPLINE - A leader puts aside those things which are not a priority and follows through on what's important.

SERVANTHOOD - A leader puts others first, sees their needs, and takes the opportunity to serve them without expecting anything in return.

TEACHABILITY - A leader learns from his mistakes, challenges himself mentally, emotionally, or physically, and continues to grow in his areas of expertise.

VISION - His vision leads him and inspires his followers.