What Defines a Leader?

When we think of a leader, a common characteristic that comes to mind is someone who can think on his feet and provide a solution to a problem with a high degree of skill and success and within a nominal time frame.

We also think of someone who can inspire a team to produce results at a level it would not have otherwise been capable. A good leader has vision and knows how to communicate and inspire.

It's also a common observation that a leader sees the potential in raw materials and can map out the means to transform problems into solutions. A good leader is an efficient manager of resources and an expert at planning.

In this article we investigate leadership characteristics from the perspective of defining the outstanding leader.

The Characteristics of Outstanding Leaders

1. Transparency

An outstanding leader can not be duplicitous in his business and personal dealings. Today's outstanding leaders are authentic in their interpersonal dealings and agendas. A leader who is defined as insincere or double dealing risks jeopardizing his career. He is clear and direct about his objectives and the means and resources. An outstanding leader realizes that his team's successes are his successes and shares the credit and rewards accordingly.

2. Charismatic

The Greek origins of our word for charisma come from a root that is associated with a divinely bestowed trait which sets an individual apart from his mortal peers. In terms of leadership, the superlative leader demonstrates a captivating sense of presence, which enables him to obtain the positive favor of those with whom he works. His subordinates respect him and want to perform his requests because to do so makes them feel good. His peers desire to work with him because he has a magnetism, which inspires them. His communications are uplifting and he instills a sense of confidence and vision in those with whom he interacts.

3. Highly Accountable

An outstanding leader is constantly making commitments, and delivering successful results on those commitments. He puts himself on the line and allows his peers to hold him responsible to a high level with regards to his performance and expectations of high quality end results.

4. Information Seeker

He is extremely curious and constantly seeking out information, and its resources. He understands that an answer is only the best answer at that particular point in time and that things change rapidly and new information is a must to stay ahead of the curve. He asks questions, investigates facts and draws conclusions based upon the best understandings of the impacts that those decisions will have on the goals he is committed to produce.

5. Inspirational

Occasionally, leaders fail. Outstanding leaders use the raw materials of failure and lead their team to higher levels of success than they have previously experienced. Situations are adjusted accordingly, new plans are set in place and today is another day to meet goals for the outstanding leader.

What defines a leader has significantly changed over the years. Today's business staff are informed and self-motivated. Traditional authoritarian leadership caricatures are no longer tenable today. Becoming an outstanding leader requires constant dedication to personal improvement. It's been stated that a good leader is one who must first, be able to lead him self.