10 common traits of exceptional leaders

Many people dream about becoming a leader. However, not everyone knows how to become an exceptional leader. If you want to lead, you better do it well. In this article we will explore common traits of exceptional leaders for those of you who want to step up your game.

1. They have a vision

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet’. - Reverend Theodore Hesburgh 

Successful leaders always have a clear vision for what they want to achieve. It is very hard to lead anyone without a clear vision, because you will not know where you are leading them. Without a clear vision for what you want to achieve, you are not likely to get many followers. 

2. They are driven by passion

A common trait among popular leaders is their passion. When you have passion for what you do, you are bound to draw other people to you and what you believe in. Passion generates excitement and excitement is contagious. People want to be around passionate people. It inspires them to be the best version of themselves and work hard.

3. They have the ability to inspire

‘A person can succeed at almost anything for which they have unlimited enthusiasm.”

- Charles M. Schwab

The ability to inspire is crucial if you want to become an exceptional leader. Great leaders do not only organize their team and delegate tasks. Quite opposite, they share their passion and enthusiasm for their vision in order to inspire their people to believe in it. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you are an enthusiastic leader, you are likely to ignite a fire within your followers as well. In turn, this will make them want to work together with you to achieve your vision.

4. They are confident

Confidence is the cornerstone of leadership. A true leader must believe in himself and his vision. People like to work with leaders who are naturally confident. Our instincts tell us to trust people when they appear confident. Confidence is usually linked with competence, which again builds trust. People want to work with competent leaders they feel they can trust.

5. They have a positive attitude

Leaders who feel positive about their goals are more likely to gain inspired followers. People like to be led by someone who has a ‘can do’ attitude and believes in their vision. Team members appreciate working together with an upbeat leader who holds a positive vision.

6. They have are decisive

Good leaders are able to make decisions fast and easy. They do not waste time on small decisions. They are able to scan a situation fast and make up their mind about which way to go. They do not create confusion for their team members by changing their mind often or by paving an unclear road for them to follow.

7. They are committed

Good leaders are committed and do what they have to in order to achieve their goals. They work hard and stay on their path. They know that nothing worth pursuing in life comes easily, so they keep going. They know they will make it as long as they just keep striving for it.

8. They are great at communication and building relationships

A great leader needs to have great communication skills. He needs to be able to communicate his goals in a clear and understandable way, as well as being able to listen to his team members’ thoughts and ideas. He takes his crew into consideration while making decisions. Good leaders are good at building relationships. They treat others well and are in turn treated well by others.

9. They have the ability to delegate

Being a leader involves organizing and delegating tasks. Good leaders know that they can not do everything and have to be able to trust their team members to do different tasks. Good leaders do what they do best and then delegate the tasks that their team members can do better. They trust their coworkers to do the best job possible.

1. They go beyond what is required of them

Exceptional leaders go beyond what is required of them. They work hard and never give in. They believe that the work they do is important and makes a difference for the people they surround themselves with or even the world.