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