CHARACTERISTICS OF ADMIRED LEADERS
Kouzens & Posner – authors of The Leadership Challenge
- administered a questionnaire to over seventy-five thousand
people around the globe, asking respondents to list the
qualities they “most looked for and admired in a leader -
someone whose direction they would willingly follow”. The
authors report that four characteristics received
over 50% of the votes. Following, I have listed these four
characteristics together with a short summary explanation,
using – where possible – the author’s description.
Honesty
–
If people are to willingly follow someone –whether it be
into battle or into the boardroom, the front office or the
front lines – they first wanted to assure themselves that
the person is worthy of their trust. They also wanted to
know that the person is truthful, ethical and principled.
Forward-looking
– People expect leaders to have a sense of direction and a
concern for the future of the organisation. Whether this
ability is called a vision, dream, a calling, goal or
personal agenda, the message is clear: leaders must know
where they are going if they expect others to willingly join
them on the journey.
Competent
–
To enlist another’s cause, we must believe that the person
is competent to guide us. We must see the leader as capable
and effective. Additionally, a leader must have the ability
to bring out the best in others and enable them to act.
Inspiring
–
Leaders are expected to be enthusiastic, energetic and
positive about the future. They must be able to breathe life
into our dreams and aspirations. Inspiring leadership
speaks to our need to have meaning and purpose in our lives.
Adapted from
Kouzens, J.M. & Posner B, Z. (3rd ed)(2002), The
Leadership Challenge, Jossey-Bass, CA, USA
