Pierpont Communications, Inc.

The sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

There are numerous traits a leader should have, but which truly inspire people to follow? Which characteristics influence change and convert a vision into reality?

The following are five characteristics I think a leader needs to be successful:

Risk taker
A leader takes chances and finds creative ways to solve problems, even when he or she knows that it could present failure. A leader who takes risks thinks of failure as a short-term setback that provides an understanding of what works and what doesn’t.

Humility
A leader understands that he or she is human and that mistakes happen. A good leader is open to constructive criticism. He or she knows it will only provide opportunities for growth.

Motivation
President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” Because leaders enjoy what they do on a daily basis, they exert motivation. This causes others to perform to the highest of their abilities, even when they feel they do not have the capacity to do so.

Outstanding communicator
A leader understands that communication is not only a conversation, but a way to get a message across and make sure it’s understood. Because a leader is also a great listener, he or she has the skill set to be a confident communicator.

Visionary
A leader has to see into the future and strongly communicate a vision. A leader cannot lead without a concrete vision of where the team, corporation, organization or institution is going. The trick is finding ways for team members to fall in line with the vision. A leader finds a way!

If you have any additional suggestions, post them below.