What It Takes to Be a Leader

Over the years, I’ve gathered these 27 bits and pieces on what makes a great leader.
I have listed them below. (If you can add any, let me know.)

1. High standards of personal ethics (mentioned in almost all interviews)
2. A person without pettiness
3. Guts under pressure, resilience in defeat
4. Brilliant brains (mentioned most often as, “street savvy”)
5. A capacity for hard work and midnight oil- and enjoy it
6. Charisma— charm and persuasiveness
7. A streak of unorthodoxy— (ready to order what’s not on the menu!)
8. A good listener (mentioned most often)
9. The courage to make tough decisions
10. An inspiring enthusiast— with thrust and gusto
11. A sense of humor
12. Patient
13. Impatient (yes, at times you simply have to act)
14. Self-confident
15. Think big
16. Optimistic
17. Persistent
18. High energy
19. Decisive
20. Courageous— take risks (don’t fear failure)
21. A strong faith (but not necessarily a church person)
22. Resilient
23. Vision (a dreamer)
24. Resourceful
25. A creative problem-solver
26. A lifetime learner (CEO doesn’t stand for “Continuing Education Over!”)
27. Willing to give credit to others

Jerold Panas
2016