Originally published on rwrant.co.za
What are the personality traits of succesful leaders? It’s a fact that talent and skill have a lot to do with success, but they are not as important as having the right personality traits.
Positive personality traits make it much more likely to succeed as a leader, no matter your talents and skills. In this article, Captain Jako Hall discusses several personality traits that can help you become someone others want to follow.
Have you ever met someone incredibly talented and yet unsuccessful as a leader? Most of us know people like this. Some people are born with an innate ability to learn and retain vast amounts of knowledge or perform a particular skill at an advanced level. Yet, they lack the critical ingredients needed to convert their talents and abilities into successful leadership.
One reason that success evades some would-be leaders is that, while important, talent and ability are not essential to success. It takes something else. It takes the right combination of personality traits. Fortunately, these traits can be acquired by anyone willing to work to develop them.
Below are a few of the personality traits of good leaders
Trait #1: Consistency
Today, many leaders are like chameleons; they change their values and views to fit the situation, which only confuses associates and subordinates who cannot be sure what course they are pursuing. Those leaders who cling to power at the expense of principle often end up doing almost anything to perpetuate their power.
Inconsistency toward core principles causes anxiety for anyone below a leader on the org chart. Eventually, those above them on that chart will notice the chaos, reflecting poorly on their leadership abilities. So, if you want to be a good leader, be consistent.
Trait #2: Humility
Too many equate the personality trait of humility to that of weakness, and nothing could be less accurate. A humble leader is someone that doesn’t endeavour to set themselves above those whom they lead. They are people that others want to follow because they have earned the devotion of those that work for them.
Humility comes from within like all personality traits, and it can’t be emulated artificially. It can be learned and cultivated, however. This trait can be developed by consistently striving to see those you lead as people, not just a means to accomplish your professional aspirations. Get to know them, personally.
To become the kind of leader that others want to follow, lead by example. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and don’t ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Obviously, as a leader, you have a different role within your organisation than the rank and file. Still, you don’t fall prey to the idea that your position somehow makes you a better or more important person than others that report to you.
Trait #3: Empathy
Being an empathetic leader means you can understand and share the feelings of those you lead. This trait is achieved by listening without being condescending.
As a leader, there will be times when those around you fail. As an empathetic leader, you will react to correct the situation without anger or being perturbed. Your first assumption will be that the subordinate who failed may have done so because they were attempting to stretch beyond their current capacity, which is often a good thing. It means they are trying to improve and grow. Be patient and help them better understand the aspects of the task they are deficient in.
There are other traits common among what is sometimes referred to as natural leaders, such as responsibility, accountability, and selflessness. However, you can rest assured that these leaders have made acquiring these traits a priority in their lives.
About Jako Hall
Captain Jako Hall is an experienced mariner and a former naval officer known for his strong work ethic and ability to lead and motivate crews. He pursued Maritime Studies at the University of Technology in Cape Town and has received the highest level of training in Navigation and Seamanship during his years in the Navy.
After 13 distinguished years in the Navy, Jako joined the superyacht industry, following his passion for creating unique and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth clients. He’s managed multi-million euro projects that required attention to detail and efficiency and has a proven track record of operating at sea in remote and unsupported areas..