Law Practice Today

Think of a leader that you know and respect. What are the key characteristics of this leader? Were they born with these traits or did they learn these traits? Research shows that leaders are developed. No matter what personality you were born with, the traits of a leader can be learned and developed BUT it takes certain characteristics to enhance leadership skills.

Leadership is the determinations, courage, confidence, focus and ability to get results. It is not about position, rather it is about action and direction. Here are the Top 9 characteristics I have found prevalent in the effective leaders I have known and coached over the past 20 years.

1. They know what it takes to be a leader. They read and spend time focusing on learning about leadership.
2. They understand their natural talents and how to best use them as a leader. They seek feedback, take assessments and continually seek to understand themselves.
3. They are always learning and developing additional skills to enhance their leadership skills and capabilities. They don’t just know what it takes, they implement skills and learning into their daily life.
4. They believe that “people matter”. Building and supporting others is as important as building themselves.
5. They believe that “there are always opportunities”. They make the choice to seek new possibilities.
6. Leaders have scars but are not afraid to learn from their failures and make new choices while seeking new opportunities.
7. They focus on where they are going. They have a vision both personally and professionally.
8. They prioritize the important and let go of the unimportant.
9. They take daily action steps to get them closer to their vision. Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is futile success.

Cheryl Leitschuh, Ed.D., LP specialty is serving Professional Service Firms through coaching, training and consulting. For questions or additional information visit www.career-future.com.