What are the qualities of a leader? What characteristics are part of the profile of people who rise to the challenge of leading community organizations, schools, churches, companies, and even nations? As leaders, it’s important that we take time to remember what we contribute and how we contribute in our personal and professional lives.
When we know what it takes to be successful, we can make plans, set goals, design strategies, and identify actions that will lead us closer to achieving what we desire. Defining the qualities of a leader will help us to evaluate to what degree they exist within us. And, at the same time, we can develop those qualities which might not be as strong as they could be.
Leaders are courageous. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, “courage implies firmness of mind and will.” Courage is about stepping out of your comfort zone. When you operate from a place of courage, whatever you do is coming from hour heart, from a place of inspiration. You are ready to face whatever opposition or hardship lay ahead. You’re focused, resolute and determined.
How do you think courage influences your ability to be a great leader?
“The systematic development of the deep down quality of unflinching courage is one of the fundamental requirements for leadership in any field. Fear, or the lack of courage is more responsible for failure in management, and in life, than any other factor. It is always fear that causes people to hold back, to sell themselves short, to settle for far less than they are capable of!” — Brian Tracy
Tara Kachaturoff is the creator, producer and host of Michigan Entrepreneur TV, a weekly television talk show featuring business leaders and businesses from start-up to stellar. With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance in the tech sector, she now coaches executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs on leadership, management, productivity, and marketing issues. Tara is also the author of 21 Qualities of a Leader from which this article is excerpted.
