Ten Traits of Great Leaders

Thom Rainer:

• They have a great work ethic. They are hard workers willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• They have a positive, can-do spirit. You can almost see the wheels in their minds turning when they are presented with a challenge.
• They are smart. I don’t know how much of their intelligence is innate or much is learned, but they are some of the smartest people I know.
• They have high levels of energy. That energy is contagious. When we are in a room together, I am ready to conquer the world.
• They contribute positively to conversations. You know the “downer” types in conversations. Some dominate where you can’t get a word in. Some are just negative. And others say almost nothing. But the leaders around me contribute in ways that are meaningful and measured.
• They don’t hide from reality. Most organizations have challenges. Ours is no exception. The leaders who surround me don’t sugarcoat or hide from challenges; they confront them with tenacity and toughness
• They are relational. The leaders I observe include both extroverts and introverts. Regardless of their natural disposition, they know that relationships matter. As a result, they make certain they keep relationships open and healthy.
• They are willing to get out of their comfort zones. Most of us have a tendency to do things and be in places where we are most comfortable. I am grateful for the leaders who surround me because of their willingness to get involved in areas that are not their natural strength or area of expertise.
• They are continuous learners. Some read voraciously. Others have external coaches. Others attend meaningful conferences. They are continuously seeking ways to learn and to be better leaders.
• They think strategically. They are always asking strategic questions like: “Why?; “Why not?”; “What’s next?”

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