There are many different types of leaders in the world, all with different personal traits, values, and personality styles. However, there are some qualities that are seen in virtually all successful leaders, and these qualities can be improved upon and learned. Some of the most basic indicators of leadership potential include a willingness and drive to learn, good decision-making skills, charisma, and a high level of integrity.
In the business world, the people with a number of indicators of leadership potential are those most likely to be given more responsibility and promoted into higher positions. The ability to work well with others, to take responsibility, and to show leadership are important qualities for any job, even jobs that do not require direct supervision of other employees. Human resource staff and managers are trained to look for leadership potential in employees, for any future opportunities. For those who want to improve upon their leadership skills, there are numerous books, classes, and seminars available, designed to help people develop their leadership potential.
The most basic indicators of leadership potential include an interest in the task at hand, and a willingness to learn more, and to help others succeed. Honesty and integrity are also extremely important, as well as a drive to improve upon the status quo, and to seek better solutions for problems. Leaders have the ability to mediate with other people, balancing opposing interests or points of view while still maintaining control of a group or meeting. They also tend to have charismatic personalities that inspire confidence in those around them.
When making a decision, those with leadership potential will weigh all the facts carefully, and make as informed a decision as possible, generally maintaining that decision. Leaders are able to learn from mistakes of the past, while looking to the future to imagine how a decision will have an impact both immediately and far down the road. Those with leadership potential are also often good at setting goals and making alternative plans to cover every opportunity.
It is not mandatory that a leader be an excellent public speaker, but it is certainly helpful. Leaders should have clear opinions of their own, but should still be willing to listen to others, and to take other viewpoints into account. Leaders have a drive to succeed, and are motivated to do well in any task, unafraid to make difficult decisions, or to stand up for what they think is right.
