What Is A Leader?

There are many people who claim the mantle of leader, and we are often led to believe that leaders are people wearing expensive suits and hundred dollar haircuts, Yet all too often, those who deserve the title are not the ones who have it, even while those who don't continue to dominate the news cycles, the trade journals and even popular culture.

I've worked with a lot of companies and organizations over the years, and have noted traits that I believe actually describe true leaders, rather than people holding those positions by luck, fiat or charm. To me a leader is someone who:

• Is willing to take responsibility when things go poorly, but to give praise to those who deserve it when things go well,
• Steps forward when something needs to be done, and by their example convinces others to do likewise,
• Is willing to speak truth to power, even at the risk of their own career or even life,
• Recognizes that they are responsible for the well-being of those whom they lead, not the other way round,
• Has integrity - their word is their bond, and they will do what is right, even if it is not necessarily profitable or in their own interests,
• Thinks about the consequences of their actions before taking them,
• Listens, and takes under advisement the ideas and needs of others,
• Motivates others to give the best they can, while participating fully in making things happen,
• Plans for the future, while weighing the needs of the present.

This list is far from exhaustive. What do you believe are the traits of good leaders?

Kurt Cagle is a contributing writer to Forbes, focusing on data government and management when he's not tackling supernovas or discussing cats.