"Good" Leaders: Top 10 Attributes of an Effective Leader

A few years ago I had the privilege of listening to a number of community college presidents speak about their careers, challenges, and successes. One president in particular spoke about qualities of effective leaders in higher education. As I reviewed my notes from that interview and presentation I noticed there were ten attributes that could extend into other disciplines. Those top ten attributes are as follows:

1) Know who you are.

2) Be humble.

3) Be genuine.

4) Create a great team and shine together.

5) Communicate effectively; praise publicly but criticize privately.

6) Walk your vision.

7) Disagree without being disagreeable. (There is no benefit in collecting enemies.)

8) Have a high work ethic.

9) Measure successes and failures.

10) Never forget it is about people.

Assess areas to improve based on these ten principles. Where do you need to grow and change? How can these principles help you become a more effective leader in business, the community, or even in your own home? As you seek to improve, also keep in mind the need to have a balanced life, and to never take yourself so seriously that personal happiness evades your grasp or pride overshadows the role others play in the success of your organization.