We have all found ourselves in the presence of great leaders. Often, it’s not apparent until afterward, when we have time to reflect on what just happened. 

That’s the situation writer John Evans found himself in following a brief encounter with David Miscavige, leader of the Scientology religion. Thinking back on a meeting that lasted all of 30 seconds, Evans realized that Miscavige had the rare ability to make others feel as if they’re the most important people in the world, deserving of a very busy man’s undivided attention.

This is just one quality of respected leaders. People who rise to the very top of their professions tend to have other, complementary characteristics and abilities. 

Here are some of the most notable and most impactful. How many do you see in yourself?

Excellent Communication Skills

Every great leader is also a great communicator. However, not every leader is a flawless public speaker, or a fluent writer, or someone who lights up every room they walk into by dint of impeccable body language.

Communication skills, in other words, take many forms. What separates good leaders from great ones in this regard is an ability to inspire others through word, deed, or some combination of the two.

A Strong Sense of Self-Awareness

Great leaders are unusually self-aware. This is an overlooked attribute of leadership, and a bit controversial to boot, as many mistakenly believe that self-confidence and self-awareness must naturally be in tension with one another.

In truth, self-aware leaders are often confident precisely because they know themselves so well. They know on an intimate level their own personal strengths and weaknesses. They work tirelessly to leverage the former while improving or working around the latter. They follow the principle of continuous improvement because they know in their hearts what others refuse to admit: that we’re all works in progress.

Deep Reserves of Empathy and Compassion

Great leaders’ awareness extends beyond themselves. They have uncharacteristically deep reserves of empathy for others, even those whom others in their position might disregard. While they don’t allow their compassion to interfere with making difficult decisions, they understand how those decisions may impact those around them (and beyond).

A Willingness to Collaborate With Others

At first glance, leaders stand alone among their peers. However, upon closer inspection, they exist within the same human networks as everyone else. In recognition of that, they exhibit not only a willingness but an eagerness to collaborate with others where it makes sense to do so. 

Integrity and a Sense of Moral Duty

A strong moral compass is crucial for effective leadership. Rather than base their decisions or edicts on what they believe others want to see from them, strong leaders do what they believe to be right, when it must be done. It’s no exaggeration to describe this posture as a sense of moral duty, of an obligation to be “true.”

The Ability to Influence Others 

Leaders have an uncanny ability to influence others, to the point that some may be accused of “manipulative” or “coercive” behavior. It’s true that some leaders do take pleasure in manipulating or coercing their subordinates, but these are not great leaders — they merely act as they believe leaders should.Truly influential individuals guide others for mutual benefit, helping them make decisions they might otherwise defer or avoid. In so doing, they strengthen their organizations and enrich the lives of their followers.

Resilience Against Adversity

A capacity for personal resilience is a foundational quality of any great leader. After all, no matter how effective one’s leadership, adversity will occur — the response, not the event, is what matters. It’s often the case that true leadership is not apparent until after a crisis has passed.

Gratitude for What They’ve Achieved

Humility is another essential leadership quality that’s often mistaken as a weakness, even a liability. While leaders don’t have to (and shouldn’t) grovel for others’ approval, they also should recognize where luck may have played a role in their success and periodically take time to reflect on how far they’ve come. This sets the stage for the next essential quality of leadership: belief that it’s possible to achieve more.

Belief That They Can Achieve Even More

Few leaders would admit that they’ve come as far as they can. And why should they? Following the principle of continuous self-improvement, it’s always possible to get a little bit better, no matter how difficult the path appears to be.

A Long-Term Vision for Themselves and Those They Lead

Setting long-term goals is not the sole province of elite leaders. It’s an essential skill for anyone who wishes to rise through the ranks of their chosen profession.

However, great leaders do have something more than mere planning ability: a clear and compelling vision for the future, one that embraces not only their own personal development but the progression of those around them. This vision must be broad enough to stand the test of time yet flexible enough to accommodate changing conditions.

Respect for Themselves and Others

Finally, great leaders respect themselves and those they lead, no matter how small their roles. They believe in human potential, broadly defined, and strive to help their subordinates realize their own.

Aspire to Greatness

You might not aspire to any sort of position of power, or see yourself as a particularly adept leader. That’s okay. Not everyone wants or needs to have others looking to them for guidance.

Yet the same qualities that shape and define great leaders can also benefit the much broader group of people who don’t share their special talents or aspirations. Indeed, by aspiring to develop these qualities in your own being, you can improve your own character, enhance your own relationships, and reach whatever goals you set for yourself — without all the responsibility that true leadership demands.

Of course, self-improvement is a lifelong journey. Great leaders aren’t made overnight; they come into their own only after many years of personal development. For better or worse, the same is true for the rest of us.

Published by: Nelly Chavez