The compilation of leadership traits and characteristics from various sources highlights the essential qualities of effective leadership. Authentic leadership theory emphasizes the origins, effects, and development of genuine leadership practices, focusing on traits such as confidence, integrity, and charisma.
Anaggregate of leadership traits and characteristics disseminated by:
Avolio, B. & Gardner, W. (Eds.) (2005). Authentic leadership theory and practice: Origins, effects and development: Vol. 3. Monographs in leadership and management. New York: Elsevier Science.
Bennis, W. (2009). On Becoming a Leader. Philadelphia: Perseus Book Group.
Charan, R. T. (1989, September). Speed, Simplicity, Self-Confidence: An Interview with Jack Welch. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review: http://hbr.org/1989/09/speed-simplicity-self-confidence-an-interview-with-jack-welch/
Engelhart, M. (LEAD6133, Module 3 Discussion) (2014). Characteristics of Leadership and Coaching. American College of Education
Lunenburg, F. C. (2011). Emotional intelligence in the workplace: Application to leadership. International Journal of Management, Business, and Administration, 14(1), 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.nationalforum.com/Journals/IJMBA/IJMBA.htm.
Sussman, C. (2014, August 18). Building Adaptive Capacity: The Quest for Improved Organizational Performance. Retrieved from Barr Foundation: http://www.barrfoundation.org/files/Building_Adaptive_Capacity.pdf
Vojta, M. (2014, August 18). Characteristics of the Effective Leader. Retrieved from Tennessee State University: http://www.tnstate.edu/servicelearning/documents/Leadership%20Characteristics.pdf
Wise, D., & Hammack, M. (2012). Leadership coaching: Coaching competencies and best practices. Journal of School Leadership, 21(3), 449-477. Retrieved from http://lifecoachlisaosborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Life.Coaching.Best_.Practices.pdf
Skilled
Leadership Traits
By: Mari Engelhart
Delegator
Empowers others; Allocates tasks to others; Confidently transfer the power to others.
Communicator
Communicates clearly and convincingly with the purpose of convincing others; Demonstrates skills is dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
Charisma
Positive attitude; ability to attract others.
Sense of humor; Likeable, non-threatening.
Integrity
Honest, ethical, trustworthy; Does not waiver personal convictions under pressure.
Visionary
Passionate and curious; Entrepreneurial - willing to take risks; Has great ambition, imagination, or foresight
Supportive
Considers the feelings, concerns and challenges of others; Recognizes and acknowledges the work of others.
Confidence
Free from doubt; Believes in self; Mastery of skills and knowledge; Excellent decision-making skills.
Commitment
Sincere and obligated; Maximizes efforts to execute visionary goals
Adaptive
Consistently embraces change; Able to adjust to new situations and conditions.
Self-Awareness
Consistently understands own emotions;
Acknowledges strengths, weaknesses, values and motives; Recognizes and adjusts actions based on feedback.
