Leadership Characteristics
The key characteristics and skills for leadership have been written about for decades
by many well-known and publicized authors. The skill set that began as hierarchical in
design where coercion and intimidation were the main factors has clearly changed in today’s
organizations. The models and opinions of successful leadership characteristics in the
twenty-first century are those of James Kouzes and Barry Posner, Erica Fox, Daniel
Goleman, and Marshall Goldsmith. In their studies and research, Kouzes and Posner found
that the following practices made successful leaders:
• Practice 1: Challenging the process Successful leaders will recognize when
there is a need for change.
• Practice 2: Inspiring a shared vision Successful leaders will have a vision and
get their employees to be inspired by the same vision.
• Practice 3: Enabling others to act Successful leaders will empower their
employees to do their best work, bringing out their full potential and encouraging
collaboration in the workforce.
• Practice 4: Modeling the way Successful leaders will walk the talk and lead
by example.
• Practice 5: Encouraging the heart Successful leaders will help their work
groups celebrate their achievements and yet learn from their disappointments
and matters of adversity.
